The relationships between land and water use have become central to the global debate on sustainability and development, especially in the context of climate change and growing population pressure. Food security, the economy and stability depend on the health of these resources. of millions of people around the world.
Today, both international organizations and national governments and scientists warn about the progressive land degradation and scarcity of fresh waterThese problems not only hamper agricultural production and access to food, but also threaten biodiversity and exacerbate social inequalities, causing migration and conflict in different regions.
Restoring lands: an imperative for sustainability and peace
It is estimated that about 40% of the lands on the planet present some degree of degradationThis situation has a direct impact on the quality and quantity of available water, in addition to reducing soil fertility and its capacity to function as a carbon sink, key to mitigating global warming.
The combined effects of Poor land management, deforestation, drought and overexploitation water resources represent significant economic losses and exacerbate instability in vulnerable regions. Investing in land restoration and water conservation It provides benefits not only environmental but also social and economic: every euro or dollar spent for this purpose translates into multiple returns, such as improvements in ecosystem services, resilience to extreme events, and sustainable job creation.
In countries like Colombia, restoration projects include reforestation of vast areas, expansion of agroforestry systems, and improved watershed management. These initiatives seek to recover the capacity of the soils to retain water, sustain agricultural production and protect the livelihoods of rural communities.
It is essential that these efforts are sustainable in the long term through the coordinated participation of governments, private sector and civil societyIt is also essential to make investments that modernize agriculture, promote good practices, and ensure the recovery of ecosystems.
The land-water nexus and food security in a more arid world
The advance of aridity, documented in numerous studies, shows that more than three-quarters of the planet have experienced drier years in recent decades. This trend translates into less water available for both crops and human consumption, increasing pressure on agricultural systems.
Without sufficient water, agricultural production becomes increasingly costly and vulnerable, increasing rural poverty and rural-urban migration. Furthermore, vegetation deterioration accelerates the loss of fertile soil and contributes to the process of desertification, making recovery from damages difficult.
The balance between the rational use of land and efficient water management It is crucial to ensuring food security, the well-being of rural communities, and the protection of ecosystems. Without addressing both aspects together, it is difficult to maintain resilience to droughts, social stability, and sustainable development.
Impact of the energy transition on resource use: the Middle East and North Africa as an example
The transition to renewable energy, although it offers opportunities to reduce emissions and diversify economies, has generated New disputes and challenges linked to access to and use of land and water. In regions such as Middle East and North AfricaIn countries where water constraints and a strong dependence on hydrocarbons already exist, the adoption of alternative energy models creates additional tensions.
Countries that have traditionally based their economies on oil and gas exports face the need to restructure, investing in clean sources that, in turn, require large areas and significant amounts of water to operate. Others, such as Morocco, have promoted the development of clean energy, but also face challenges related to the sustainability in the use of natural resources.
Experts warn that the expansion of energy infrastructure can lead to conflicts over the use of agricultural land, damage to ecosystems, and competition for water in regions where it is already scarce. Therefore, integrated energy planning land use distribution and water resources management It is essential to avoid worsening environmental degradation and economic inequalities.
Research and innovation: keys to halting degradation and ensuring resources
In places like the Mediterranean basin, recent scientific analyses highlight the critical loss of organic carbon in soils, which reduces their capacity to retain water, store nutrients, and absorb CO₂. Degraded soils not only lose fertility, but also contribute to the disappearance of springs and the reduction of stable waterways.
This process of soil degradation and water scarcity is exacerbated by population concentration in vulnerable areas, pressure from intensive agriculture, and seasonal tourism. Although extensive research on these problems exists in Spain and other countries, large-scale solutions remain insufficient.
Practices such as hydrological and forest restoration, the recovery of traditional agricultural techniques, and the promotion of more sustainable land use appear to be promising strategies for curbing desertification and protecting access to water.
The relationship between land and water use It defines the present and future of entire communities, requires coordinated responses and innovation, and compels all sectors to rethink the way we cultivate, inhabit, and manage our natural environments. Only collaborative management, based on restoration, adaptation, and equity, will ensure we maintain natural wealth and the well-being of future generations.
