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A
T A TIME
when concern about climate change and its
effects is growing to the extent that it is taking root in
global economic and social awareness, the challenge of
appropriate and effective environmental management in a
framework of sustainable development and adaptation to
change has become a top priority.
Spain has always had to deal with climate variability. This
has led, together with the country’s economic and social devel-
opment, to a range of complex scenarios requiring specific
solutions based on the principles of efficiency and solidarity.
The search for, and adoption of such solutions is the respon-
sibility of the Ministry of the Environment. The Spanish
Government’s aim is to ensure that economic and technologi-
cal innovation combines with a sense of social cohesion,
sensible use of natural resources and reduction of pollution,
in order to develop in a fair, healthy and sustainable manner.
Undoubtedly, the main environmental challenge for Spain
and for the Ministry of the Environment is climate change. In
addition to significant efforts to create awareness at all levels
of society, a National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change
has been drawn up, a Commission for Coordinating Climate
Change Policies has been created and contributions have been
made to various planned strategies for renewable energy and
energy efficiency. There is also a new assignment plan, and
constant monitoring is carried out to ensure that Spain does
everything possible to meet its international commitments.
Moreover, in view of the importance of international collabo-
ration in this area, we have set up the Ibero-American Network
of Climate Change Offices, and have signed several memo-
randums agreeing coordination with other countries.
Water management is another significant challenge for
Spanish environmental policy. The uneven natural distribution
of water amongst the different regions of Spain, and the cycli-
cal drought patterns create a scenario in which the criteria of
rationalisation and efficiency, and the use of new methods for
obtaining drinking water are of growing importance. This is
especially pertinent when we consider the fact that new climate
scenarios for our geographical area show an increase in the vari-
ability and intensity of rainfall. Our government is drawing up
legislation to fight speculation, wastage and pollution of water,
and to promote the sharing of water rights amongst the differ-
ent river basins. At the same time, it is building new
infrastructure, especially desalination plants, for irrigation and
for supplying water to coastal cities. Finally, on an international
Environment, efficiency and solidarity:
a challenge
Cristina Narbona, Environment Minister of Spain
The appropriate management and use of water resources is a fundamental issue in Spain, where precipitation presents a variability,
both in timeframe and in spatial distribution
Photo: Environment Ministry of Spain