Investigation in Iran's Water Transfer

Transferring water from the sea to plateau is one of the important and challenging issues in water resources management in Iran. A compilation of opinions from experts and stakeholders in the water sector regarding water transfer has been developed through roundtable discussions and both in-person and virtual interviews. The synthesis of various viewpoints on the topic of water transfer reveals significant differences in perspectives. Critics of water transfer primarily cite the failure to implement sustainable development criteria prior to the necessity of water transfer as the main reason for their opposition. In contrast, proponents emphasize the critical conditions of water scarcity and the associated challenges, particularly those that may arise in the drinking water sector. However, what remains overlooked by both supporters and opponents of water transfer projects is the question of why the country has reached such a state regarding water resources, the role of decision-makers in this situation, and why there is no system in place to hold the responsible parties accountable.