Celebrating World Water Day: La Palma Highlights the Crucial Role of Water in Island Development

As the world prepares to observe World Water Day on March 22, the Cabildo of La Palma is gearing up to host a significant event that underscores the vital importance of water in the island's development. This initiative, organized by the Consejo Insular de Aguas (Insular Water Council), aims to bring together professionals and the public to discuss and highlight the critical role water plays in the life and economy of La Palma.

Event Details

The event, scheduled for Friday, March 21, will take place at the Casa Principal de Salazar, starting from 8:45 AM and continuing until past midday. The session is designed to be open and free to the public, offering a platform for comprehensive discussions on the history, use, and efficient management of water resources on the island.

Key Speakers and Topics

The event will feature a series of insightful presentations by experts in the field. Juan Manuel Hernández Rodríguez, an agricultural engineer and head of Agricultural Extension in Breña Alta, will kick off the session with a discussion on the evolution of climatology in La Palma and the challenges posed by climate change.

Following this, Raquel Martín Ferraz, Iván Hernández Ríos, and Alejandro García Gil will present a case study titled "Evolución de los recursos hídricos de Barlovento: Ayer, hoy y mañana" (Evolution of Water Resources in Barlovento: Past, Present, and Future). This presentation will delve into the historical and current state of water resources in the region, as part of the GENESIS project.

María José García González, an energy engineer with experience in hydraulic projects, will then address "Recursos y consumos hídricos en el regadío del sureste de La Palma" (Water Resources and Consumption in Irrigation in Southeast La Palma). Her talk will focus on the efficient use of water in agricultural practices.

The morning session will conclude with a presentation by Eduardo Padrón Pérez, a mining engineer, who will discuss "CANOPALMA: origen, presente y futuro" (CANOPALMA: Origin, Present, and Future).

Afternoon Sessions and Panel Discussion

After a brief pause, the afternoon sessions will resume at 11:00 AM. María Pilar García Alonso will present on the evolution of water flows and quality in the northern and western parts of the island. Rayco Marrero Díaz will follow with a discussion on the impact of carbon dioxide on groundwater in the Valle de Aridane area following the Tajogaite eruption.

The final presentation, "Estudio socioambiental sobre el aprovechamiento y la gestión de las aguas subterráneas en La Palma. El caso de los manantiales en el proyecto BIO-JUST" (Socio-Environmental Study on the Use and Management of Groundwater in La Palma: The Case of Springs in the BIO-JUST Project), will be given by Noelia García Rodríguez and José Antonio Batista Medina.

The event will culminate in a roundtable discussion titled "La gestión del agua en La Palma en un escenario de cambio climático" (Water Management in La Palma in the Context of Climate Change). This panel will feature Juan Manuel Hernández Rodríguez, Iván Hernández Ríos, María Pilar García Alonso, Rayco Marrero Díaz, and José Antonio Batista Medina, moderated by Sharon Backhouse and Javier Peña.

Context and Importance

La Palma, like many islands in the Canarian archipelago, faces significant challenges related to water resources. The island lacks large natural aquifers, making it heavily dependent on desalination for its water supply. This dependency is not only costly but also energy-intensive, exacerbating the economic and environmental pressures.

The event is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the efficient use and management of water resources, a theme that is particularly relevant given the current water crisis and the impacts of climate change. By engaging with experts and the community, the Cabildo aims to foster a better understanding of the island's water challenges and to explore sustainable solutions for the future.

In the words of Juan Ramón Felipe, vice-president and insular counselor for the Área de Aguas, "Water is an indispensable resource for life, not just for human consumption but also for the primary sector and other areas, especially in an island like ours. We wanted to take advantage of this occasion to remind everyone of the fundamental importance of its efficient use and management." This event is a crucial step in that direction, ensuring that La Palma is better equipped to face its water-related challenges in the years to come.