Ebro River, Spain

Question 1

What is the government’s preposition?

Answer 1

To divert water from Ebro Valley to cities, farmers & tourists in SE of country

Question 2

Why did it get cancelled?

Answer 2

Newly elected gov. & replaced with cheaper/localised schemes such as desalination

Question 3

What were some cases for the scheme?

Answer 3

• concern of international investors marking SE Spain as New Florida
• Alicante & Almeria tourist developments with golf courses spending lots of money
• Ebro Scheme beginning of new future allowing tourists development & complex at Cabo Cope
• head of Murcia regional gov. said desalination was unproven and expensive
• EU funding was available but not in the LT

Question 4

What were some cases against the scheme?

Answer 4

• environmentalists in North say diversion was a misuse scarce resource
• drastic impact on Ebro & fragile delta
• Environment Minister says desalination would provide same amount sooner and cheaper
• New gov. would improve water recycling and introduce more efficient irrigation systems
• aquifers already drying due to over-extraction
• subsidies offered to farmers for irrigation encourage use of unsuitable land

Question 5

Where does the river run?

Answer 5

Through Almeria

Question 6

Who has the most water?

Answer 6

madrid are in excess