https://bluepapers.nl/index.php/bp <p>Blue Papers: a Journal for Empowering Water and Heritage for Sustainable Development <span style="font-size: 0.875rem;">edited by Carola Hein, Matteo D’Agostino, Carlien Donkor </span><span style="font-size: 0.875rem;">&amp; Zuzanna Sliwinska.</span></p> Stichting OpenAccess en-US Blue Papers 2950-1423 https://bluepapers.nl/index.php/bp/article/view/162 <p>The Mediterranean region faces worsening climate challenges, including rising temperatures, water scarcity and ecosystem degradation. Climate projections indicate a temperature increase of up to 6.5°C by 2100, with reduced rainfall and increased evaporation exacerbating water shortages, particularly in agriculture, which consumes 70–80 per cent of the region’s water. Competition for freshwater, declining agricultural productivity, and salinization of coastal aquifers further threaten sustainability. Ancient hydro-technologies—traditional water management systems developed by ancient civilizations—offer valuable insights for climate adaptation. Examples include Minoan rainwater harvesting, Roman aqueducts and the qanats originating in what is now Iran, which prioritized water conservation, efficient irrigation, and flood control. These systems, designed in harmony with nature, exemplify sustainability, resilience and multifunctionality, contributing to biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation. To scale up ancient hydro-technologies, integrated governance, legal recognition, capacity building and interdisciplinary research are essential. International cooperation and financial resources can help preserve and adapt these traditional solutions to modern challenges, integrating them into the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus (WEFE Nexus) framework for sustainable water, energy, food, and ecosystem management.</p> Jordi Morató José Luis Martín Olga Lucia Sánchez Copyright (c) 2025 Jordi Morató https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-03-03 2025-03-03 4 1 10.58981/bluepapers.2025.1.04 https://bluepapers.nl/index.php/bp/article/view/165 <p>The qanat, a timeless testament to human ingenuity, emerged on the arid Persian Plateau around three millennia ago as a sustainable solution to water scarcity. This technique channels water from aquifers using gravity through gently sloping sub-horizontal tunnels, avoiding over-extraction and ensuring a delicate balance between human needs and environmental preservation. By naturally regulating water flow according to aquifer levels, qanats prevent excessive depletion, serving as a model for sustainable water resource management. This study explores the fascinating journey of qanats, their geographical spread, historical evolution and enduring relevance. We highlight their adaptability to diverse environments, their role in fostering cultural continuity and their potential to address contemporary water challenges. By revisiting this ancient marvel, we uncover valuable lessons for contemporary water management systems worldwide.</p> Vladimiro Andrea Boselli Massimiliano Borroni Jalal Kassout Mhammad Houssni Athmane Kettouch Simone Cristoforetti Copyright (c) 2025 Vladimiro Andrea Boselli, Massimiliano Borroni, Jalal Kassout, Mhammad Houssni, Athmane Kettouch, Simone Cristoforetti https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2025-03-23 2025-03-23 4 1 10.58981/bluepapers.2025.1.05