Participatory analysis of water resource management of International Hamoun Wetlands using DPSIR method

The majority of Sistan's water resources are situated in Afghanistan. Over the centuries, a delicate balance between the communities' subsistence activities and nature was maintained. However, the impact of droughts has had a detrimental effect on the environment, particularly the water resources. The Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework was utilized to examine water management issues within local communities. The DPSIR analysis identified the construction of dams and agricultural and irrigation system development in upper Helmand on one hand and inadequate water management practices, and insufficient diplomatic activities in Sistan-Iran on the other hand constitute as significant drivers, with some contribution from the presence of cars and livestock in the wetland. Pressures included soil compaction, sandstorm sources resulted from wetland drying, sediment inputs. These pressures led to changes in the state of the water bodies. The impacts on human welfare included poor public health, decreased food and water security, economic losses, and some migration. Societal responses involved public demonstrations, advocacy efforts, legal measures, and policy adjustments to enhance governance. A recommended future policy option is the establishment of community-based water resources management. While the DPSIR framework successfully established cause-effect relationships, further empirical research on these water bodies is essential to address existing data gaps.

کلیدواژه ها:

Sistan ، Socio-economic analysis ، local stakeholders ، Helmand river basin