Reflexive Water Management in Arid Regions: The Case of Iran

Authors: Reza Balali, Mohammed; Keulartz, Josef; Korthals, Michiel

Source: Environmental Values, Volume 18, Number 1, February 2009 , pp. 91-112(22)

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Abstract:

To illuminate the problems and perspectives of water management in Iran and comparable (semi-) arid Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, three paradigms can be distinguished: the traditional, the industrial and the reflexive paradigm. Each paradigm is characterised by its key technical system, its main social institution and its ethico-religious framework. Iran seems to be in a state of transition from the 'hydraulic mission' of industrial modernity to a more reflexive approach to water management. This article sketches the contours of the emerging paradigm: a complementary system of traditional and modern methods of water provision, a participatory water resources management and a 'post-mechanistic' ethico-religious framework.

Keywords: water; Qanat; irrigation system; industrial modernity

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3197/096327109X404807

Publication date: 2009-02-01