How Drought-provoked Water Scarcity Creates Tensions Between Portugal and Spain

The question is, with the climate change, is the Convention still fit to deal with a changing reality one quarter of a century after its signing?

In a three part series, this investigation explores how the (mis)management of shared hydric resources under drought conditions is changing the relationship between Portugal and Spain over water rights and usage, by following the themes of administration, exploitation and protection of shared waters across the borderline of La Raya.

This research uncovers how environmentalist movements have been organizing to demand e-flows finally become a political priority, as water consumption, mostly promoted by large agricultural endeavors, continues to increase. Split administrative efforts are posing a challenge to joint river protection and allowing water pollution to take its toll. In the end, it proposes solutions for the problems through cross-border cooperation.

Photo: After several failed attempts at reconstruction, the ruins of the Ayuda Bridge still stand on the Guadiana border crossing, precariously uniting Spain and Portugal. (c) Michele Curel