Sand Mitigation (local knowledge)

Located in southeastern Iran and southwestern Afghanistan, the Sistan region is characterised by a harsh and arid climate that shapes the landscape and the daily lives of its inhabitants. The economic existence of this predominantly desert-like region is closely linked to the Helmand and Farah Transboundary Rivers. These rivers serve as the primary water resource for various needs, including domestic use, agriculture and the Hamoun-Hirmand and Hamoun-Saburi wetlands. Following the water management developments upstream in Afghanistan, in particular the detour of the Helmand River to Gud-e-Zereh and the construction of the Bakhsh Abad Dam on the Farah River, the Hamoun wetlands have changed fundamentally. These changes have led to desiccation, making wetlands susceptible to increased sand and dust deposition. One of the most notable climatic phenomena in Sistan is the frequent occurrence of sandstorms, which can have significant ecological and social impacts. These sandstorms, driven by strong winds that whip across the parched wetlands, contribute to disasters and can pose a health risk to residents. 

In the Sistan region, the indigenous people did not engage sand mitigation by stabilisation efforts. Instead, they adapted to their natural environment by redirecting windblown sand away from their inhabited areas by making a nature-based tool known as "Teng" in the local dialect.

Given the historical recurrence of dry spells in the Hamoun wetlands, indigenous communities have acquired valuable knowledge on adapting to such conditions over time. This adaptive knowledge has been passed down through generations, showcasing the dynamic transmission of indigenous wisdom. In this paper, we will delve into the nuances of indigenous knowledge in the Sistan region, exploring its role in reducing the risks associated with shifting sands, its intergenerational transmission, and its flexible adaptation to evolving environmental conditions.