12.  Aflaj’ Water Management in Oman: The Case of Falaj Al-Khatmeen in Birkat Al-Mouz, Wilayat Nizwa

Aflaj in Oman are sustainable ancient techniques of irrigation based on open channels draining water from wadis, springs or aquifers to communities of users. Omani authorities reported the existence of 4112 aflaj of which 3017 are live systems; about 1000 have underground qanats (dawoodi aflaj). Agriculture in Oman relays mainly on irrigation by means of aflaj. They currently provide 680 million cubic meters yearly and irrigate around 26,500 ha of farmlands. Their water is being managed by an administration headed by a wakil. Falaj Al-Khatmeen is a dawoodi falaj among the five Omani aflaj inscribed in the World Heritage List since July 2006. It irrigates the lands of Birkat Al-Mouz in Wilayat Nizwa. This paper provides an overview about aflaj in Oman and, through the case study of falaj Al-Khatmeen, highlights the main concepts of this traditional knowledge and water management system besides the rights and equity in access to water for stakeholders. Water is shared by athar (30 min) according to a very precise irrigation scheduling and rotation (dawaran) that can be updated depending on seasons and changes in falaj ownership and water flow. The survival of falaj Al-Khatmeen relays mainly on the efficiency of its management.