Water crisis in Spain: loss of beach showers causes protests!

Water crisis in Spain: loss of beach showers causes protests!

Spain faces a significant challenge in dealing with water scarcity, particularly due to massive tourism. Last year, the country received around 94 million tourists, leading to rising living costs, a shortage of housing and significant pressure on water resources. The Spanish Organization for Environmental Education and Consumer Protection (ADEAC) now plans to take action against increased water consumption by tourists. One controversial issue is considering eliminating public showers on beaches, a measure that could potentially reduce water use.

The situation is further exacerbated by persistent drought and a lack of rainfall. A state of emergency has already been declared in Catalonia in order to take urgent measures to protect water resources. The tourism sector contributes significantly to water consumption, especially in high season. In Mallorca, a single holidaymaker uses between 250 and 450 liters of water every day, while tourism as a whole accounts for around a quarter of total consumption. Although it is predicted that there will be enough water for 2025, ADEAC sees a need for action in the future.

Protests and pilot projects

The situation in the Canary Islands is tense as there have already been protests, some of which have escalated to violence, particularly in Tenerife. To counteract the increasing pressure, a pilot project in Sanxenxo (Galicia) has shown that avoiding beach showers can actually reduce water consumption. The change in Sanxenxo was uncomplicated and was largely accepted by the population. This could serve as an example for other regions to consider similar steps.

Developments in Spain reflect a larger challenge seen across the Mediterranean. According to the WWF, the Mediterranean is the most sought-after holiday destination in the world and is visited by 220 to 320 million visitors annually. UNWTO forecasts expect this number to double to 655 million by 2025. Uncontrolled tourism poses a significant threat to the region's fragile ecosystems and freshwater resources, adding to pressure on already vulnerable areas.

The call for sustainable tourism

The WWF emphasizes that the massive influx of tourists is inadequately accompanied by protective measures. The flow of visitors themselves also damages sensitive coastal regions. There are calls for cross-border protective measures to be established and nature-based tourism to be promoted. Ten vulnerable marine areas in the Mediterranean need new protected areas and coastal management adjustments, including the Balearic Islands, where tourism has a significant impact on the environment.

The WWF aims to protect the nature of the Mediterranean from the negative effects of mass tourism and to promote responsible tourism. To this end, various field projects are being initiated that focus on preserving biodiversity and sustainable fishing. As the challenges facing nature in the Mediterranean region worsen, it will be necessary to find effective solutions, both in Spain and in other Mediterranean countries, to combat water scarcity and preserve the environment.

[Merkur] reports that ... and [WWF] adds that ...