David Parsian believes that sustainable development in Iran is facing serious crises including water bankruptcy and land subsidence. The concept of sustainable development was first introduced in 1987 in the report of the World Commission on Environment and Development of the United Nations, meaning meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Economic and Social Challenges
The three main pillars of sustainable development include economic, social, and environmental sustainability. In Iran, economic sustainability faces serious challenges. Heavy reliance on fossil fuels and high water consumption in agriculture have created significant problems in the path of sustainable development. For example, the agricultural sector, consuming over 90% of the country's water resources, has exacerbated groundwater depletion, and food self-sufficiency policies have led to the cultivation of water-intensive crops in arid regions.
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Water Crisis and Land Subsidence
Iran has moved beyond the stage of "water stress" and has entered the phenomenon of "water bankruptcy." This situation arises from excessive demand for water that exceeds the renewable capacity of watersheds. Since the 1960s, with the construction of over 600 dams in Iran, many of these projects have lacked geological and ecological justification. Consequently, problems such as land subsidence in alluvial plains have emerged, and this phenomenon has reached a critical stage.
Spatial development in Iran is also lacking balance and alignment with ecological capacities. Land use planning has faced multiple structural barriers, and the establishment of heavy industries in arid areas far from the coasts has disrupted the ecological and demographic balance of the country.
Overall, achieving sustainable development requires a resilient and diverse economy. In this regard, good governance and proper management of natural and social resources can be a solution to the existing problems.
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