The Research About Institutional Change Of Water Allocation In Heihe River Basin

As a representative of the inland river of China, Heihe basin plays an important role in economic development and environmental protection of northwestern China. Rational allocation of water resources in Heihe basin is in relation to the development of economic agriculture and ecological protection of the midstream and downstream of Heihe Basin. The water allocation institution of Heihe basin is the average allocation of water resources. This paper trimmed the institutional analysis and development framework of Ostrom, obtained the institutional analysis and development framework of Heihe water allocation institution and used this framework to analyze the transition of Heihe water allocation institution. Through the study of the transition of the average allocation of water resources institution, the author found this institution generated and changed, which is motivated by external events. Because water conflicts were sharp, the average allocation of water resources institution arised. In order to alleviate the water conflicts, the government had formulated the average allocation of water resources institution. To the1990s, because of the deterioration of the ecological environment of the downstream, the average allocation of water resources institution changes occurred. All changes of this institution were in response to external events and government-led.Due to the lack of advanced warning mechanism, public participation and market mechanisms, water use and allocation efficiency is relatively low. Therefore, in order to realize the sustainable development of Heihe basin, there are a few suggestions. For example, establish advanced warning mechanisma instead of event settement mechanism; realize the integrated management in Heihe basin; establish constraints and punishment mechanism; further exploration of water rights trading market; actively cultivate and continue to cultivate local water user organizations and integrated a variety of mechanisms to allocate water resources, maximize the utilization of water resources.