Feature: Spain’s Ebro Transfer - a major turnaround

The next proposal

(Author: Saren Starbridge)

Following the April 2004 announcement, the Spanish government announced an alternative plan on June 18 to replace the Ebro Transfer project. The activists are not relaxing yet.

'The new plan is better,' says Schmidt, 'but a lot more could be done.'

'Threats to the Ebro via proposed water transfers are cyclical, so people here will not let their guard down,' warns Cutts. 'Threats of excessive irrigation, misuses, pollution and so on, are continuous. Through this campaign, the people of this area have won self respect and are finally standing up to demand their rights as citizens of modern Spain. The heart of the campaign movement will stay alert.'

Drawing on the combination of science, consultation and accountability of funding standards which drove the campaign, the Ebro activists are now pushing to help build a new global water culture. This is a powerful opportunity for the new government to review all the old SNHP proposals and develop projects that are sustainable. Spain's Minister of Environment, Cristina Narbona Ruiz has already met and had discussions with environmental NGOs.

Arrojo and others are advocating sustainable water planning which includes recycling, waste reduction and water quality improvements. Fixing leaky pipes, planting crops which don't require irrigation to thrive in dry climates, revegetating river banks: these are all alternatives which could be cheaper and more effective in the short term than massive dam building projects and far more beneficial in the long term.

'It's time for Spain to forge a sustainable water future based on conservation, recycling and smarter agricultural choices,' says Arrojo.

'The world is changing,' says Schmidt, 'and this success in Spain is a kick-off point for starting a whole new discussion on how to manage water.'