Consequences of Inter-Basin Transfer of Zab River’s Water to Lake Urmia

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 MA in Political Geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Political Geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Human Geography, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Extended Abstract     
Introduction
Lake Urmia is one of the most important environmental challenges in Iran, as the most important salt lake in the middle east. So, we see environmental challenges and economic, political-security and social challenges in the northwest of Iran. One  of the ways to restore Lake Urmia to prevent drying and reach the ecological level of the lake is water transfer project from little zab basin to Lake Urmia. The project is implemented in an area where ethnic - religious pluralism is present, considering that this transfer could have different social, economic and political consequences.
Methodology  
The outcome of this project is studied using qualitative research method of content analysis by interviews of elites, researchers and managers and using open coding technique.
Results and discussion
The results indicate that the negative consequences are the disintegration of activity, spatial mobility of the population, the form of ethnic tensions, the formation of fragility in water transport and economic and cultural discourse.
Conclusions
The objectives and uses of water transfer should be clear and not applicable to agricultural development and drinking purposes, because the development of agriculture and drinking uses in the destination can cause unbalanced development in dependence on water in destination and create conflicts and protests at the origin.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Geopolitics Quarterly
Volume 20, Issue 73
September 2024
Pages 139-168

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 April 2023
  • Revise Date: 16 October 2023
  • Accept Date: 30 November 2023

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