In this article, we analyze the main challenges surrounding water governance and socioeconomics in the context of drought, using the Muga River Basin in Catalonia as a case study. Located in northeastern Catalonia, Spain, this area presents several critical issues for water management, including diverse water uses for agriculture, industry, services, households, recreation, tourism, and ecological needs. Notably, these include the requirements of the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park, situated south of the major tourist destination of Empuriabrava.
We examine the case study through the lens of the Networks of Action Situations (NAS) approach, focusing on three key aspects. First, we explore historical decisions, such as those surrounding the Darnius Boadella Dam, which was planned and constructed in the late 1960s primarily for agricultural and urban water uses. These decisions did not anticipate the substantial growth in tourism-related water demands in subsequent decades.
Second, in the undeniable and increasingly pressing context of global and climate change, marked by more frequent extreme events, we provide a historical perspective on climatic, water usage, and socioeconomic data. This analysis includes pressures such as those from pesticides, fertilizers, and pollutants. The resulting challenges, including saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers driven by overextraction and the declining quality of groundwater resources, have culminated in significant struggles over the past 3–4 years.
Third, we analyze stakeholder perspectives by drawing on interviews with key groups and representatives. These stakeholders offer insights into their views on the problems, difficulties, and conflicts, which we interpret as overlapping action situations. Particular attention is given to the highly concentrated seasonality of water use, especially for mass tourism, which peaks during periods of water scarcity, often conflicting with agricultural demands.
We also evaluate the surface and groundwater situations, the role of institutions such as the Catalan Water Agency (ACA), the prioritization of water uses, and the measures implemented. Finally, based on both quantitative and qualitative analyses, we discuss various perspectives and potential solutions. These include proposals to address water supply and demand issues, measures to incentivize behavioral change, and strategies emphasizing enforcement, coordination, and negotiated agreements.
In this article, we analyze the main challenges surrounding water governance and socioeconomics in the context of drought, using the Muga River Basin in Catalonia as a case study. Located in northeastern Catalonia, Spain, this area presents several critical issues for water management, including diverse water uses for agriculture, industry, services, households, recreation, tourism, and ecological needs. Notably, these include the requirements of the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park, situated south of the major tourist destination of Empuriabrava.
We examine the case study through the lens of the Networks of Action Situations (NAS) approach, focusing on three key aspects. First, we explore historical decisions, such as those surrounding the Darnius Boadella Dam, which was planned and constructed in the late 1960s primarily for agricultural and urban water uses. These decisions did not anticipate the substantial growth in tourism-related water demands in subsequent decades.
Second, in the undeniable and increasingly pressing context of global and climate change, marked by more frequent extreme events, we provide a historical perspective on climatic, water usage, and socioeconomic data. This analysis includes pressures such as those from pesticides, fertilizers, and pollutants. The resulting challenges, including saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers driven by overextraction and the declining quality of groundwater resources, have culminated in significant struggles over the past 3–4 years.
Third, we analyze stakeholder perspectives by drawing on interviews with key groups and representatives. These stakeholders offer insights into their views on the problems, difficulties, and conflicts, which we interpret as overlapping action situations. Particular attention is given to the highly concentrated seasonality of water use, especially for mass tourism, which peaks during periods of water scarcity, often conflicting with agricultural demands.
We also evaluate the surface and groundwater situations, the role of institutions such as the Catalan Water Agency (ACA), the prioritization of water uses, and the measures implemented. Finally, based on both quantitative and qualitative analyses, we discuss various perspectives and potential solutions. These include proposals to address water supply and demand issues, measures to incentivize behavioral change, and strategies emphasizing enforcement, coordination, and negotiated agreements.