Renovation of Qanats in Syria

This paper describes the research and action under taken by an international research team at ICARDA that conducted a nation-wide survey of Syrian qanats in 2001. Within the framework of the UNU project on traditional water management, some of the most important qanat sites were re-visited in August 2002. It was found that some have considerably decreased in flow during the last half-year and are at the verge of extinction. Ironically, the qanats have been flowing for 1500 years and over the last 15 years they are drying up. What is the benefit of this sustainable water supply system in this time of ecological farming, increasing environmental awareness and within a changing social and economic environment? Are informal, national and international institutions able to maintain a traditional common water source like a qanat when groundwater abstraction through pumping gives much more short term benefit for a larger population?