In the heart of a contentious transboundary water dispute, a recent study published in *Applied Water Science* offers a glimmer of hope for data-driven conflict resolution. The research, led by Eslam Galehban from the Department of Remote Sensing and GIS at the University of Tehran, delves into the Helmand River Basin (HRB), a critical water resource shared between Iran and Afghanistan. The study leverages remote sensing and reanalysis data to shed light on the complex dynamics of water availability and usage in the region.
The Helmand River Basin has long been a flashpoint in the Iran-Afghanistan water relations, with Afghanistan alleging a significant reduction in water resources. Galehban’s research critically examines these claims, providing a nuanced understanding of the factors at play. The study reveals that while reference evapotranspiration (ETo) has shown a slight annual decrease from 2000 to 2020, precipitation, snow cover, and snow water equivalent have remained relatively stable. This stability suggests that natural factors are not the primary drivers of reduced water availability downstream.
Instead, the research points to a dramatic increase in agricultural activities in upstream areas as the main culprit. Agricultural area nearly doubled from 111,000 to 216,000 hectares, leading to a substantial rise in agricultural water consumption from 1.5 to 3.2 billion cubic meters. “The data clearly indicates that human activities, particularly the expansion of agriculture, are significantly impacting water availability downstream,” Galehban explains. This finding underscores the need for careful management of water resources to ensure equitable access and sustainable use.
The implications for the agriculture sector are profound. As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing issue, farmers and agribusinesses will need to adopt more efficient irrigation practices and water management strategies. The study highlights the potential of remote sensing and reanalysis datasets as valuable tools for monitoring water usage and informing policy decisions. “These datasets can provide a neutral, data-driven basis for conflict resolution and cooperative water management,” Galehban notes.
The research also calls for the establishment of a bilateral technical cooperation committee to facilitate collaborative transboundary water management. By leveraging complementary data sources, stakeholders can make more informed decisions that balance the needs of upstream and downstream users. This approach not only mitigates conflict but also promotes sustainable development, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.5.2 on the equitable and sustainable use of water.
Looking ahead, the study’s findings could shape future developments in the field of transboundary water management. The use of remote sensing and reanalysis data offers a promising avenue for resolving water disputes and ensuring the sustainable use of shared water resources. As Galehban’s research demonstrates, data-driven approaches can provide a pathway to equitable and sustainable water management, benefiting both the environment and the agriculture sector.