Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Exploitation of Water Resources in the Desert Areas: Aqueducts (Qanats) Repairing and Reconstruction in the South Khorasan Province, East of Iran

Abstract

The central plateau of Iran is located in the desert belt of the world, making dryness and water scarcity inherent characteristics of the region. Access to sustainable water sources has always been a significant challenge for the area‘s residents. However, ancient Iranians created the aqueduct, a system that respects the environment and is compatible with nature, to address this challenge. This invention gave birth to a brilliant civilization on the central plateau of Iran, which is sometimes referred to as the “Karizi Civilization.” Iran’s aqueducts serve as a model of sustainable development, promoting respect for nature and coexistence with the environment. The aqueducts play an essential role in the social and economic structure of dry areas, such as the central plateau of Iran. The precise engineering system of water distribution and the appropriateness of land and water ownership have prevented social tensions over the use of aqueducts, making them a factor of social unity, solidarity, and great social capital for the residents of those areas. The efficiency of the aqueduct system for more than 3000 years demonstrates the success of the sustainable development model observed in the structure and system of the aqueduct. Throughout history, the residents of the central plateau of Iran have faced water scarcity due to dryness and low rainfall. While the introduction of new technologies for underground water extraction in the second half of the 20th century has been a significant threat to the aqueduct and its system and social structure, it has also destroyed several 1000 years of Iran’s achievements in water and water management. This article investigates the different dimensions of aqueducts as a solution based on the indigenous knowledge of ancestors for sustainable use of water resources in the desert areas of Iran. The authors emphasize the restoration of the aqueducts and their role in the development of rural tourism, sustainable employment and livelihood, and reverse migration. These solutions can be implemented in South Khorasan Province and other areas facing similar water scarcity challenges.