Carlos Baño, president of the Alicante Chamber of Commerce, voiced support for a recent display of generosity and cooperation announced by the Generalitat president, Carlos Mazón. The message centers on water solidarity across regions. At the request of Teresa Ribera, the minister of Ecological Transition, water will be moved by boats from the Sagunto desalination facility to Catalonia as part of a broader effort to alleviate drought pressures in the area. Baño emphasized the need for solidarity with the Valencian Community and urged the Spanish government to adopt a national hydrological plan for Alicante that ensures water of good quality in sufficient quantities and at affordable prices.
Carlos Baño commended the Generalitat president’s stance and added that Spain should mirror this level of support nationwide. He stated that water is a resource that should be accessible to everyone and highlighted that the current water shortages are tied to the previous repeal of the national hydrological plan, which he believes hindered a cohesive national strategy.
Government plans to send desalinated water from Valencia to Catalonia
The discussion stresses the importance of consistency in policy and the belief that when Alicante needs water, the same level of solidarity should be extended from the rest of the country. Baño defended the Tajo-Segura transfer as a means to safeguard regional competitiveness and to reinforce the idea that regional needs must be balanced with national water governance.
He underscored responsible water use by all citizens in the face of severe drought. Baño pointed to examples from Alicante, noting how residents there have managed resources prudently, especially in Vega Baja. He highlighted that Alicante benefits significantly from renewed water resources, with high renewal rates in Vega Baja and substantial usage levels across the province. He contrasted local gains with national and European averages to illustrate what a more unified approach might mean for broader water security.
The overarching message is a call for practical, cooperative solutions that secure reliable water supplies while preserving affordability. The conversation reflects a precautionary stance against scarcity and a recognition that regional cooperation can be a cornerstone of a resilient national water strategy. Stakeholders suggest that a transparent framework, paired with efficient water management and equitable distribution, could help communities across Spain weather recurrent droughts and climate variability without sacrificing economic vitality.