Date: 14 January 2015
Time: 17:00-19:00
Place: Etopía. Avda. Ciudad de Soria, 8. 50010 Zaragoza
Conveners: Abengoa and the Water Observatory of the Botin Foundation

It is becoming more accepted that the water conflicts in Spain, and also in the rest of the world, are generally due to poor management or governance and are caused by false or obsolete models still in practice. Technological advances of the last decades clearly show that a good part of these current water problems could be resolved through ways that were unthinkable only twenty years ago. These advances apply mostly to global food trade (virtual water) made possible by modern food storage and transportation systems, membrane technology, intensive groundwater use –although better planned and controlled- and remote sensing techniques as tools for surveillance of water and land use. On the other hand, technological advances in communication (cell phones, internet) could contribute to making general information more transparent and promote participation for those interested in decision processes. These new advances contribute directly to the Sustainable Development Goals of many countries.

The objective of this side event is to demonstrate the importance of scientific and technological advances in solving problems related to water resources management in the world, particularly in Spanish water policy.

During the side event, speakers from government, business, academia, and NGOs will present the latest advances that demonstrate how new technologies can be a useful tool to solve water problems and conflicts. After the presentations, there will be a round table where challenges and opportunities will be discussed. Among other things, the seminar will consider advances related to chemical membrane engineering, virtual water trade, and the powerful instruments that are provided by remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems.

17:00 -17:10 Introduction

• Francisco Muñoz Carreño-ABENGOA Ramón Llamas -Observatorio del Agua – Fundación Botín

17:10-17:25 Sustainable development challenges

• Pablo Collazo

17:25-17:40 Smart water cycle

• Francisco Muñoz Carreño

17:40-17:55 The role of virtual water trade in coping with world's water scarcity

• Alberto Garrido

17:55-18:10 Intensive use of aquifers and groundwater mining in Spain

• Emilio Custodio

18:10-18:25 Water and the future of humanity

• Luis Veiga da Cunha

18.25-18-40 ISO14046 Water Footprint Standard

• José Luis Valdés, AENOR

18:40-18:55 Q&As

• Speakers and audience

18:55-19:00  Wrap-up

• Francisco Muñoz Carreño and Ramón Llamas