Today, March 22, is World Water Day, a day proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 to raise awareness of the importance of water as a fundamental resource that sustains life on our planet. From oceans to rivers and lakes, water is indispensable for human well-being, agriculture, industry, and ecosystems.

People’s daily lives have always revolved around access to water, making it a vital resource for the progress of humanity. Public health, food and energy systems, economic productivity and environmental integrity depend on the proper functioning and equitable management of the water cycle.

Despite its vital importance, sustainable water management faces numerous challenges, including scarcity, pollution and overexploitation of water resources. World Water Day highlights the importance of conserving and protecting this vital resource for the health of the population and the environment.

It is an opportunity to reflect on the need to adopt responsible water management practices and to promote awareness of issues related to equitable access and use of water around the world. This year’s theme, “Water for Peace,” highlights the need to unite around water as a fundamental human right and foundation for a prosperous future.

Water in the 2030 Agenda and global challenges

One of the central themes of the  UN’s 2030 Agenda is related to the care and preservation of freshwater around the world, reflected in Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) under the name of “Clean water and sanitation”, which seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. SDG 6 addresses key challenges such as water scarcity, water pollution and lack of access to basic sanitation services.

Climate Change in Spain: Impacts and Risks

Climate change is an unequivocal reality in Spain, confirmed in a wide range of projected changes, included in the National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change (PNACC) published by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. The PNACC identifies the hazards related to climate change in Spain, with water-related aspects being particularly highlighted.

In Spain, water and water resources are a growing problem exacerbated by climate change. Our country is experiencing prolonged periods of drought that impact key sectors such as agriculture, industry, and drinking water supply.

According to the latest report published by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge of the Government of Spain on 19/03/2024, the water reserve in our country is at 57.8% of its total capacity, with special concern in Catalonia, Murcia and Andalusia.

Climate change projections, despite the degree of uncertainty regarding rainfall and rising temperatures, point to a progressive reduction in water resources in Spain. In the worst-case scenario, average river flows are expected to fall by 24% by the end of the century compared to the 1961-2000 reference series, and could be between 30 and 40% in the most sensitive areas, and the reduction in aquifer recharge is estimated to be in similar proportions.

 Climate change mitigation and adaptation measures

To address these challenges, innovative and collaborative measures are required to accelerate the transition to sustainable natural resource management. This includes advanced technologies, integrated approaches and responsible management to ensure a resilient future in terms of water use and management in Spain and globally.

Aware of this urgency, institutions, companies and citizens have a fundamental role to play in reversing the situation. IDP Group positions itself as a key player in climate change mitigation and adaptation, recognizing current challenges and highlighting the fundamental value of engineering in the creation of sustainable solutions for the efficient use of water.

At IDP Group, we are committed to the design and implementation of innovative infrastructures and the use of advanced technologies that contribute to the efficient management of water resources. Our approach encompasses various areas of action, such as wastewater treatment and purification, water purification and desalination, improvement in the supply of water to the population and the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems.

Through our initiatives and projects, we seek to reduce the environmental footprint associated with the use of water, promoting its responsible and sustainable use.

Our vision is based on innovation, efficiency and a commitment to sustainable development, working proactively to address the challenges posed by climate change in relation to water. At IDP Group, we are convinced that, through engineering and strategic collaboration, we can generate a positive and significant impact on the preservation and responsible management of water, in line with the objectives of mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

World Water Day reminds us of the vital importance of water and urges us to join efforts to protect this essential resource, facing current and future challenges in collaborative and innovative ways.