The Essential Roles of Qanats on Yazd Sustainable Development as an Improving the Groundwater Productivity: A Review

Introduction: This research examines the multifaceted aspects of Yazd's Qanats, focusing on their infrastructure, environmental and social impact, cultural significance, historic value, preserving effect, and role in shaping the urban landscape. The essential role of Qanats is shaping the landscape, infrastructure, and cultural and social identity of Yazd City, and it needs preservation and integration into sustainable urban planning. Qanats, an ancient water management system, have played a crucial role in sustaining Yazd, a historic city in Iran. Materials and Methods: The study discusses how the intricate network of tunnels and wells provided by Qanats has reliably supplied water to the city for centuries. It highlights their environmental benefits in reducing water loss through evaporation and preventing groundwater depletion. Qanats' cultural and heritage aspects are explored, emphasizing their contribution to Yazd's identity as architectural and engineering marvels. Furthermore, examines their influence on the city's layout and architectural design. Also, addressing the challenges and threats faced by Yazd's Qanats despite their historical and cultural significance. Rapid urbanization, changes in water management practices and diminishing maintenance efforts have endangered these ancient water systems. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure the sustainability and preservation of Yazd's Qanats for future generations. The methodology employed for this review study is outlined in this part. A comprehensive literature review incorporated academic papers, historical records, and cultural studies. Data about Qanats' infrastructure, environmental impact, social aspects, cultural significance, and historical context in Yazd were collected and analyzed. Site visits to Qanat structures and interviews with local experts and community members provided valuable first-hand insights and perspectives. Results: The conclusion drawn from the review study emphasizes the essential roles played by Yazd's Qanats in ensuring the city's sustainability. Preserving and protecting these ancient water systems is crucial due to their significance in water resource management, cultural heritage, and urban planning. The paper concludes by calling for increased awareness, conservation measures, and policy support to ensure Yazd's Qanats' continued existence and functionality, contributing to the city's overall sustainability. Conclusions: Raising public awareness about Qanats' cultural, historical, and environmental significance is vital for their preservation. Educational programs and awareness campaigns can help foster a sense of pride and responsibility among the local community, promoting their active involvement in the conservation and maintenance of these ancient water systems. Exploring adaptive reuse strategies and innovative approaches can contribute to the sustainable utilization of Qanats. By integrating modern technologies and practices while respecting traditional methods, Qanats can continue to play a vital role in water management, adapting to the changing needs and demands of the community. Active engagement and collaboration among stakeholders, including local communities, experts, authorities, and organizations, are essential for Qanats' preservation and sustainable management. Through collective efforts, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, the challenges faced by these ancient water systems can be addressed effectively. Considering these criteria, Yazd's Qanats can be preserved and protected, ensuring their continued contribution to sustainability. Recognition and legal protection, integrated planning approaches, hydrological and environmental considerations, public awareness and education, adaptive reuse and innovation, and stakeholder engagement and collaboration are key to safeguarding these remarkable water systems' cultural, historical, and environmental significance. Through these collective efforts, the legacy of Yazd's Qanats can be preserved for future generations, fostering sustainable development and ensuring the city's water security and cultural heritage.

Keywords:

Qanats , aquifer , cities' landscape , Urban infrastructure , Cultural significance , Social significance , Urban planning , water scarcity , sustainable development , Groundwater