Canary Islands Reinforce Commitment to Innovation and Cooperation to Secure Water's Future
The Government of the Canary Islands reaffirmed today its commitment to innovation and inter‑administrative cooperation as fundamental pillars for guaranteeing water sustainability across the archipelago. The statement was made by the Councillor for Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion and Water, Manuel Miranda, during the inauguration of the first edition of the INNOAGUA Canary Islands conference, organized by the Directorate General of Water in collaboration with the Canary Islands Institute of Technology (ITC).
The event, which also featured the ITC’s Deputy Director Guayarmina Peña, brought together specialists, administrations, agencies, and companies from the sector to share advances, projects, and innovative solutions in water management. Peña highlighted:
“The collaboration between the ITC and the Directorate General of Water is an example of inter‑institutional cooperation aimed at strengthening the archipelago’s water resilience through technological solutions that promote a more digitalized, efficient, and sustainable model.”
During his remarks, Manuel Miranda thanked the joint effort of all individuals and institutions that enable the Canary Islands to continue progressing in water management, emphasizing that:
“The progress achieved over the past two years is the result of shared effort by administrations, technicians, researchers, companies, and operators who, day by day, help guarantee an essential resource for life and the sustainable development of our islands.”
The councillor recalled that just two years ago the Canary Islands faced a worrying situation, with two islands—Lanzarote and Fuerteventura—under water emergencies, outdated hydrological plans, and an open European Union file that risked sanctions. He added:
“Today, thanks to coordinated effort between administrations and technical teams, we have reversed that situation, updating the seven island‑wide hydrological plans and restoring planning capacity.”
Manuel Miranda also expressly recognized:
“The dedication and commitment of the Directorate General of Water team, whose rigorous and constant work has been key to advancing the modernization of the water system and coordinating with island councils and local entities.”
He continued:
“The Directorate General of Water, the island councils, the ITC, universities, and the entire Canary water sector are demonstrating that cooperation and innovation are the path to ensuring the future of water in the Canary Islands.”
Throughout the conference, several of the most relevant water‑innovation projects currently underway in the Canary Islands were presented. These projects focus on:
- Intelligent leak detection in distribution networks
- Integration of renewable energy into desalination and treatment processes
- Risk management in the agricultural use of reclaimed water
- Measurement of energy efficiency and carbon footprint in hydraulic infrastructures
- Study of emerging contaminants
- Development of digital tools for managing critical equipment during emergencies
Manuel Miranda reiterated the importance of maintaining cooperation among administrations and securing state financial support. Current planning estimates an investment exceeding €5 billion to guarantee the complete water cycle across the islands, of which €1.4 billion is allocated to 127 priority public works identified by the island councils.
He also stressed the need to reactivate the hydraulic works agreement and to make effective the transfer of €20 million pledged in 2024, still pending, to address urgent needs of the Canary water system.
The INNOAGUA Canary Islands conferences aim to become a permanent forum for fostering innovation, institutional cooperation, and efficient water management, in line with the goals of the Canary Islands Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 and European climate‑adaptation directives.