A Call to Action in Times of Prosperity
The irrigation communities of Catalonia have made an urgent call to the administrations to accelerate the modernisation of irrigation infrastructure. In the context of the 13th Meeting held in Peralada, the president of ACATCOR, Miquel Àngel Prats, emphasised that, although current water reserves are at 90%, it is crucial to act now to prevent future droughts.
Prats stressed that “each day brings us closer to the next drought,” urging governments to ensure effective plans that support communities in their preparation. The modernisation and automation of networks are essential to adapt to the needs of the 21st century, and without government backing, these initiatives could stagnate.
The president of the Muga River irrigation community, Joan Bosch, echoed the message about the importance of remembering past challenges. “Fourteen months ago we were facing a severe water crisis,” he recalled. Despite the current optimistic outlook with overflowing rivers and springs, Bosch warned that “the times of scarcity will return” and it is vital to be prepared.
Among the priority projects is a plan to partially pressurise a community covering one thousand hectares, which could generate significant water savings. Bosch hopes that the Generalitat will cover 70% of the cost while the irrigators would take on the remaining 30%.
Xavier Gispert, the general director of Irrigation and Agricultural Spaces of the Department of Agriculture, agreed with community leaders on the urgent need to advance in this area. With an ambitious plan to develop irrigation over the next fourteen years, an investment of approximately 3.1 billion euros is anticipated, covering about 230,000 hectares.
Gispert highlighted two key objectives: ensuring food sovereignty and promoting population retention in rural areas through efficient irrigation systems. Councillor Silvia Paneque also reaffirmed this commitment during her closing remarks at the meeting, stating that it is essential to move towards greater resilience against climate change.
Paneque announced significant investments in innovative technologies and water reuse as an integral part of Catalonia's agricultural future. “The future of water lies in efficiency and collaboration,” she stated while visiting recent works on the Orlina River following damage caused by flooding.
Through these coordinated actions between communities and public administrations, Catalonia seeks not only to tackle immediate challenges but also to build a more robust and sustainable water system in the face of upcoming climate uncertainties.
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