كاربرد مفهوم آب مجازي در مديريت منابع آب ايران

Application of the Concept of Virtual Water in Water Resources Management of Iran

The water crisis has become a serious issue in Iran in recent years due to the arid and semi arid nature of the country. The water issued in the production processes is called "Virtual Water", some of it remaines in the product. When these products enter the international markets, virtual water trade happens. Virtual water trade is expected to decrease water use in national and international levels due to the efficient and specialized use of water. Nowadays, the concept of virtual water is an important issue in water resource management. In this study, a method is introduced for quantification and evaluation of water hidden in the agricultural products exported from and imported to Iran during the period of 1996 to 2006. Results indicate that the imported virtual water was more than the exported portion and Iran can be called an importer of virtual water for the study period.