ICRA researcher Josep Mas-Pla participated as an expert in the session “Dilemma: Water and Climate Change”, part of the participatory process of the Water Management Plan 2028-2033 promoted by the Catalan Water Agency. The session, held in an open format on 16 September and available online, brought together several experts to reflect on the challenges posed by climate change regarding water availability and agricultural use.

The debate focused on a key question:

Considering the relevance and value of the agricultural sector and water availability: what measures would be necessary to rationalize water use in agriculture?

Future projections indicate a decrease in water availability due to climate change. Agriculture is the main consumer of this resource in Catalonia, but it also generates high added value, from food production to ecosystem and social services. In this scenario, diverse views arise regarding which measures should be adopted, particularly in the context of agricultural planning and water resource management.

In addition to Josep Mas-Pla, an expert in water resources, hydrogeology, and climate change impacts on groundwater, the session included contributions from Annelies Broekman (CREAF), a specialist in water governance and climate change adaptation; Albert Grassot, rice producer and president of the Community of Irrigators of Pals – right bank of the Ter; and Francesc Reguant Fosas, an economist specializing in agri-food economics and president of the Agri-Food Economy Commission of the College of Economists of Catalonia.

The debate was part of the participatory process of the Water Management Plan 2028-2033, which aims to incorporate perspectives from different sectors and citizens to build a water management plan better adapted to the environmental and social challenges.