Analyzing underground dam development strategies in line with natural resource governance; Application of the SWOT approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Regions Group, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

2 Department of Arid and Mountainous Areas Restoration, Faculty of Natural Resources, Faculties of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

Abstract

Evaluation of water governance scenarios is among the most essential regulatory requirements in policymaking and comprehensive water resources management. It is also considered a key indicator of good water governance, particularly in the groundwater sector, where its proper implementation can lead to either the sustainability or unsustainability of water resources management, with outcomes manifesting as land degradation or land subsidence. Underground dams, as an innovative solution for water management in arid and semi-arid regions, have consistently attracted the attention of researchers and policymakers. This study aims to comprehensively assess the advantages and disadvantages of underground dams at the national level using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) approach and to propose practical strategies. The research methodology combined literature review, field studies, and data collection through a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed based on technical, economic, environmental, and social indicators, and its validity was confirmed by experts in water resources management and civil engineering. The statistical population consisted of subject-matter experts selected through purposive sampling. During the implementation phase, a specialized working group was formed to determine evaluation indicators, after which questionnaires were completed both in person and electronically, and the data were analyzed using software tools. The results indicated that reduction of water evaporation (final score 0.391) and subsurface water storage (0.309) are the most significant strengths, while limited storage capacity (0.271) and technical-geological challenges are the main weaknesses of these structures. Among external factors, subsurface water storage (0.332) and increased use of local water resources were identified as key opportunities, while social opposition (0.261) and downstream environmental impacts (0.258) were recognized as primary threats. Matrix analysis demonstrated that developing management strategies focused on strengthening strengths, leveraging opportunities, and managing weaknesses and threats can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of underground dams and contribute to optimum governance of water resouces.

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