Descripción
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This paper deals with Spain¿s water footprint and offers a virtual water analysis that differentiates green and blue (surface and groundwater) components, both from a hydrological and economic perspective. It looks at the potential of these concepts in helping achieve an efficient allocation of water resources. First of all, it defines the concepts of virtual water, the colors of water, virtual water `trade¿ and the water footprint, and analyses the impact of economic growth on the latter. A glossary with key terms is included at the end of the document. The study then explores the different economic sectors in detail at the national, provincial and river basin levels. Special attention is given to crop production, which accounts for about 80% of the total consumptive use (or water footprint) of use of green and blue water resources. This is followed by assessments of the footprints of livestock, industry, energy and urban water use. Virtual water `trade¿ is evaluated both within the EU and with third countries. Finally, the policy implications of this analysis are assessed. A better knowledge of the water footprint and virtual water `trade¿ in Spain and in other arid and semiarid countries can be very useful for developing a comprehensive instrumental framework across time and space to support water management decisions. Ultimately, this knowledge-based tool can be used by the water authorities to achieve a more efficient allocation of water resources. Spain has already largely adopted the ¿more crops and jobs per drop¿ paradigm, but it struggles to achieve the new goal of ¿more cash and nature per drop¿, because water productivity in many areas of the economy is already high. | |
Internacional
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Si |
Nombre congreso
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OECD WORKSHOP: IMPROVING THE INFORMATION BASE TO BETTER GUIDE WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DECISION MAKING |
Entidad organizadora
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OECD |
Nacionalidad Entidad
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Sin nacionalidad |
Lugar/Ciudad de impartición
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Fecha inicio
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04/05/2010 |
Fecha fin
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07/05/2010 |