Author(s)

S. Mehryar, R. Sliuzas, A. Sharifi, M. F. A. M. van Maarseveen

Abstract

Water scarcity is a critical challenge in the Middle East. Historical analysis of case studies indicates that decades of water mismanagement and weak environmental planning play substantial roles in the water crisis. This paper illustrates the conflict between rapid development policies on the one hand and non-sustainable water resource management on the other in Rafsanjan Township, Iran over the period 1986–2014. Secondary literature and government reports are used to analyze the general environmental changes and responsive actions of government. A time series analysis of Landsat images illustrates the effect of economic development policies that have stimulated the expansion of pistachio orchards. Some possible responses based on a long-term socio-ecological resilient planning approach may provide some solutions, but will require a substantial rethinking of current policies and water management practices.

Keywords

water crisis, drought, water resource management, agro-economic development, socio-ecological system, spatial planning, change detection