Rediscovering Community Participation in Persian Qanats: An Actor-Network Framework

A critical shift is needed in Iran's water management, moving from centralized bureaucratic approaches to community-driven governance. This study highlights the effectiveness of traditional Persian qanats—a centuries-old system of groundwater exploitation—as a model for sustainable water management in arid regions. By applying Actor-Network Theory, it reveals how socio-economic networks within qanat-dependent communities foster civic participation and collective problem-solving, offering a viable alternative to modern, top-down infrastructure. This framework challenges the dominance of large-scale dams and centralized systems, advocating instead for decentralized governance that leverages local knowledge and collaboration.

Salek, A. (2019). Rediscovering Community Participation in Persian Qanats: An Actor-Network Framework. European Journal of Creative Practices in Cities and Landscapes, Vol 2, Present and Future. https://doi.org/10.6092/ISSN.2612-0496/8674