Alternatives to Water

The water crisis in the Varzaneh region—located in the southeast of Isfahan Province and adjacent to the once-flourishing Gavkhouni Wetland—posed a serious threat to the area’s stability. Once renowned for its lush farmlands and the cultivation of water-intensive crops such as cotton and wheat, Varzaneh faced potentially irreversible consequences that could have even escalated into a matter of regional security.However, recognizing the latent potential of the local population and steering them toward sustainable alternative livelihoods changed the trajectory of the region. This transformation was largely driven by the efforts of Javad Hatami(as a Social Leader), a devoted and socially-conscious cleric whose leadership helped shift the focus from traditional farming to micro and home-based businesses.The documentary “Instead of Water” offers a glimpse into his tireless work to empower the community, illustrating how grassroots entrepreneurship and innovation have contributed to improving the quality of life