Manuel Miranda advocates for the Canary De

Strategic Infrastructure to Free the Canary Islands from Climate Dependence

The Canary Islands’ Councillor for Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion and Water, Manuel Miranda, said this morning that the so‑called “Canary Decree” “provides certainty in a context of possible increases in the energy cost of water generation in the islands.” He warned that the foreseeable rise in costs is linked to the escalation of tensions in the Middle East—effects that are “inevitable in the Canaries, where a large share of water supply depends on desalination.”

“The decree offers financial stability and materialises what is set out in the Statute of Autonomy, the Canary Agenda and the 2023 extended budget: in short, consolidating the €20 million investment in hydraulic works and establishing a €50 million compensation for the energy costs associated with water production.”

Miranda made these statements during a day‑long event in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria titled “Canary Islands: Towards a Modern and Resilient Water Management”, organised as part of World Water Day. He explained that the work of the island administrations aims to ensure that the archipelago “cannot depend on climatic conditions to guarantee its water; we need planning, infrastructure and technology, we need certainty.”

Why the Decree Is Needed Now

The councillor highlighted that the Middle‑East tensions have reminded everyone that “conflicts and instability in other regions of the planet affect energy markets, production costs and the supply of essential resources,” a reality that will inevitably impact the Canaries. He added that the “lack of sensitivity repeatedly shown by the State toward the archipelago’s water needs and specificities” makes the Canary Decree essential to guarantee the €20 million earmarked for hydraulic works and the compensation for the anticipated rise in production costs.

Progress Since 2023

Miranda recalled that the planning effort launched in 2023 is already yielding visible results through strategic works across all islands. He praised the innovation applied to water management that will allow the construction of a more resilient water system. In his view, the Canary Islands benefit from “fundamental allies: the Canary universities, the Canary Institute of Technology, researchers, companies, and public and private managers who work daily in this field.”

Investment Figures and Future Outlook

Felipe Roque, head of the Government’s Water Service, delivered a talk titled “The Future of Water in the Canary Islands: Planning, Investment and Resilience.” He disclosed that €63 million are being invested in the islands during 2025 and the current fiscal year, covering projects in every insular territory.

The presentation highlighted a shift in water management: from a period of “historical difficulties in executing investments, with projects blocked for years and chronic non‑compliance with European regulations,” to a “new reality where there is a large tender of investments, thanks to a committed team and maximum coordination with the island councils.”

Round‑Table Discussion

The event concluded with a round‑table that featured:

• José García Leal, Director General of Water for the Government of the Canary Islands
• Carmelo Javier Santana Delgado, Manager of the Gran Canaria Island Water Council
• Baltasar Peñate, Head of the Water Area at the Canary Institute of Technology (ITC)
• José Jaime Sadhwani Alonso, Director of the Water Chair at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC)

These stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Canary Islands’ water infrastructure, ensuring security of supply, and building a resilient, climate‑independent water future.