Public policies for sustainability and water security: The case of Almeria (Spain)

Abstract

Currently, there are 31,614 ha of greenhouses in the province of Almeria, being the largest concentration of this type of facilities in the world. In fact, this one is visible from space and is usually mistaken with a sea of plastics. This sector faces important challenges in terms of sustainability derived, on the one hand, from the new environmental demands of clients and markets and, on the other hand, from the fragility of some of the natural resources on which the model is based, especially water resources. In view of this situation, the aim of this article is to make a diagnosis of the water security and sustainability of the horticultural model of Almería (Spain), by studying the main factors that condition the availability of water for agricultural use. It analyses the current state of the groundwater bodies, the vulnerability of the factors to climate change and assesses the impact of public policies and actions carried out in this territory in this area. It also analyses the role that non-conventional resources such as desalination and water reuse can play in the agricultural areas of arid and semi-arid regions of the planet in the near future. Finally, based on the results of this analysis and within the framework of the new culture of water management and circular economy established by European regulations, general lines of public and private management are proposed, aimed at prioritizing the environmental services provided by the green infrastructures of this territory. Keywords: Water resources, Sustainability, Public administration, Intensive agriculture, Climate change, Water management, Green infrastructure, Desalination, Recycling