Pyrenean rivers will have ever lower flows, annual flow can be reduced by up to 15% in 2040 and more than 20% by the end of the century, according to the Piragua study. It has come to the conclusion that seasonality is going to be increasingly marked, “with longer and more intensive estimates”. The conclusions have been drawn from the analysis of the water resources of the Pyrenees and their regions (Basque Country, Aragon, Catalonia, Andorra, New Aquitaine and Occitania) and measures have been proposed to adapt to climate change.

The results of the study have been gathered in two publications, one analysing the current and future situation of Pyrenean water resources and the other proposing measures to adapt to climate change and the management of changes in water demands on water resources.

The study also involved the UPV Hydro/Environmental Process Research Group. According to Jesús Angel Uriarte, Ane Zabaleta and Iñaki Antiedad, member of the group, the analysis of the natural flow data of the rivers shows that in the last decades there has been a “generalized decline” of all the indicators of suitable water. They add that these changes are due to climatic causes and changes in land use.

Climate change measures

The study considers it necessary to adapt the management of Pyrenean water resources to climate change, both locally and in river basins and throughout the mountain range. The measures include “nature-based solutions”, “aimed at maintaining and even strengthening ecosystem services”. On the other hand, the promotion of citizen participation and the consideration of the actors involved are a fundamental measure of adaptation.