Optimal Governance of Water Resources Based on the Ecological Water Footprint Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Nature Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Sharekord University, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran.

Abstract

Water governance has emerged to develop, allocate, and manage water resources efficiently to ensure environmental sustainability. Water governance in agriculture is essential due to the importance of sustainability and food security for a growing population, in the face of challenges such as climate change. Therefore, paying attention to the virtual water is one of the dimensions of optimal water governance. Groundwater resources mainly due to the agricultural development has been depleted in Chaharmahal-va-Bakhtiari province in Iran. This study examined virtual water and the ecological footprint of water in the province. The results of the annual net water requirements and virtual water of crops from 2011 to 2019 showed that Lordegan County is more suitable for wheat cultivation, Borujen and Lordegan for barley cultivation, and Ben County for potato cultivation and wheat has the highest internal ecological footprint. The external ecological footprint of these products is zero due to the lack of imports to the province. The water self-sufficiency index in the province is 100 percent with respect to major crops. The water consumption index of wheat, barley, and potatoes was calculated as 4.65, 8.16, and 6.17, respectively. Although the water resources of Chaharmahal-va-Bakhtiari province can be sufficient to produce and meet major agricultural needs, with low productivity and high ecological footprint, it is suggested to import some crops from other provinces. Finally, the study showed that the consequences of ignoring water and natural resource governance issues have resulted in reduced base flows, severe aquifer depletions and degradation of surface and groundwater quality in this province.

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