NIZWA: Nizwa University has announced the establishment of the Unesco Chair on Aflaj Studies (Archaeohydrology). Dr Abdullah al Ghafri has been appointed as the Chairholder.
It is the first and only Unesco Chair in a private university in the Sultanate and the first Chair dedicated for Aflaj studies (ancient irrigation system) in the world.
The announcement by Dr Ahmed al Rawahi, the University’s Chancellor, came as per a decision of the university's Academic Board.
This Chair aims to build fruitful collaborative partnerships locally and internationally by exchanging knowledge, ideas and best practices to understand Archaeohydrology.
The project also aims to create an international platform that is accessible by researchers from the academic and research institutions.
This will help to better understand the falaj system, in addition to its social value in Oman's culture and heritage.
The Unesco Chair will provide opportunities for hydrologists, archeologists, economists, ecologists, anthropologists and agronomists around the world to take part in scientific research about aflaj worldwide.
The outcomes of the researches can provide creative solutions and ideas on how to manage and sustain the aflaj in future. - ONA
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