Analysis of the Social Conflict in the Persian Gulf Water Transfer Project and the Proposal of a Participatory Governance Model Based on Sustainable Development

Document Type : Applied Article

Authors

Nadia Anjomshoa

Seyed AbdulMajid Jalaei

Mehdi Nejati

Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22067/jwsd.v12i4.2507-1444

Abstract

The Persian Gulf Water Transfer Project is one of the largest infrastructure initiatives in Iran’s water sector, implemented to provide drinking water and support export-oriented industrial development. Despite the stated benefits, the project has faced criticisms and opposition from environmental specialists, social activists, and some scientific institutions. This study aims to identify the main roots of social conflicts surrounding the project and to propose a participatory governance model based on sustainable development. A qualitative research approach was adopted, employing document analysis of official and media sources alongside semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis with MAXQDA software. The research framework is grounded in sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, as well as participatory governance theories. Findings indicate that the primary roots of conflict include competing stakeholder interests, lack of transparency in policymaking, disregard for alternative options, and public distrust. In addition, significant challenges were identified across all three dimensions of sustainable development. The importance of this study lies in presenting a context-specific participatory governance model that emphasizes multi-stakeholder dialogue, transparency of information, and collective decision-making. This model can contribute to improving policymaking and project management in water transfer initiatives within Iran and similar local contexts. However, due to the specific socio-political characteristics of the Persian Gulf Water Transfer Project, the findings are not necessarily generalizable to other projects, serving primarily as guidance for policymakers in comparable initiatives.

Keywords

Social Conflict

Water Transfer

Participatory Governance

Sustainable Development

Subjects

• Risk, Sustainability and Resilience

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