The UNESCO Chair on Aflaj studies is the first of its kind in the world. The University of Nizwa announced the creation of this Chair on May 2021. The purpose of this Chair is to promote an integrated approach of research, education, and training in the field of falaj systems and related studies. The research component will be focused on aflaj systems and their interaction with humans and the biosphere. The teaching component will develop degree programs on Archaeohydrology, Sociohydrology or related fields. The Chair is committed to promoting research projects on aflaj and its hydro-social legacies and provides support to the scholars who wish to delve further into human-water relations in the local communities. The Chair also reaches out to different layers of Oman’s society to enhance public awareness about aflaj systems and their lessons for us to better configure a sustainable water management system. The Chair is a member of the international family of UNESCO water chairs and centers and does not limit its missions and programs to Oman, but all civilizations with water heritage would lie within its scope.

MISSION

The UNESCO Chair on Aflaj Studies is committed to identifying, introducing and preserving indigenous water knowledge, aflaj management and historical hydraulic systems, as sources of inspiration for building today’s integrated water management systems. The Chair aims to study the aflaj’s contribution to humans’ adaptation to climate change, cultural dynamics, and socio-ecological resilience of local communities. Further, it shall explore and propose mechanisms to sustain and enhance the aflaj systems and protect their values.

VISION

To be international research and academic center dedicated to advancing and applying high standards of research practices in aflaj systems, and to be a focal point in the research and educational activities for identification and preservation of aflaj’s technical, environmental and social values.

Objectives

UCASA structure