Overexploitation of water has become one of the great environmental and social challenges of the 21st century.Territories such as Spain, Mexico, and various regions around the world are seeing how the intensive use of water resources threatens both economic development and the survival of their ecosystems. Experts warn of the growing risk of desertification, wetland degradation and pressure on aquifers., all aggravated by climate change.
The most recent data reveal that 20% of the world's territory already shows signs of desertification., a figure that remains the same both globally and in countries around the Mediterranean basin. This land degradation, according to scientists from organizations such as the CSIC and the UN, is primarily due to two factors: intensive use of water linked to irrigated agriculture and the impact of climate change, which translates into longer droughts, higher temperatures and accelerated loss of fertile soils.
The role of agriculture and pressure on water resources
In Spain, Irrigation absorbs more than 80% of water demand, and in the last decade alone the area devoted to this type of crop has grown by nearly 14%. Although improvements have been made to irrigation systems, Pressure on basins and aquifers continues to increase, affecting areas as sensitive as the Segura, Júcar, Guadalquivir and the Balearic Islands. The existence of more than one million illegal wells, according to environmental organizations, demonstrates the scale of the problem and the level of stress suffered by many hydrographic demarcations.
Mexico faces a similar reality, where the drought, overexploitation of aquifers and the intensive agro-industrial model have generated an alarming scenario in rural areas. Here, the The use of groundwater in many cases exceeds the natural recharge capacity of aquifers, generating technological inequalities in the agricultural sector and making infrastructure modernization difficult for small producers.
Impact on wetlands and groundwater
La overexploitation of aquifers It has serious repercussions for wetlands, many of which are at risk of disappearing in regions like Doñana in Spain or productive areas in Mexico. The lack of study and poor management of many wetlands hinder the conservation of these spaces, considered by experts to be cultural and socioeconomic heritage. When extraction exceeds natural regeneration, irreversible changes occur, such as the salinization of aquifers or the disappearance of unique ecosystems.
International organizations estimate that Groundwater accounts for 99% of the planet's liquid freshwater, although they only cover 25% of current water needs. Their extraction increases by approximately 1% each year, primarily for agriculture, but also for urban and industrial use. Proper management and regulation are essential to prevent depletion and pollution, as well as to reduce conflicts related to water distribution.
Solutions and strategies for sustainable management
Faced with this situation, governments and institutions have promoted various strategies. In Spain, the Ministry for Ecological Transition is finalizing a new National Strategy to Combat Desertification, with More than 40 actions and the participation of autonomous communities, scientists and the agricultural sectorMeasures include the restoration of degraded areas, improved technical knowledge and integrated land management, as well as the implementation of green infrastructure and the restoration of natural spaces.
Mexico is exploring programs that encourage the rational use and recharge of aquifers through public-private partnerships, investment in efficient technology, and advanced irrigation techniques. Experts call for promoting a "Water Positive" paradigm, where human activities not only minimize their impact but also contribute to regenerating water resources in affected areas.
Furthermore, the innovation, dissemination and citizen participation are key to effective water management. Restoration initiatives, water infrastructure modernization, and rainwater harvesting and reuse programs relieve pressure on aquifers and strengthen resilience to the environmental crisis.
The challenge of the coming years
La Overexploitation of water resources represents a global phenomenon with serious socioeconomic and environmental implicationsThe experience of countries like Spain and Mexico demonstrates the urgency of managing water responsibly and in a coordinated manner. Cooperation between politicians, scientists, businesses, communities, and water users is essential to address this challenge.
Only through responsible decisions, technological advances, strict regulations, and environmental education will it be possible to maintain water availability and quality in the coming decades. Action must be immediate to ensure the balance of ecosystems and the well-being of future generations.
