A river is a common good and its future cannot be decided by just a few. It is time to unite voices, knowledge and contribute to a right decision that will condition future generations.
27.04.23 - 23h08
Anabela Cruces
The Tagus, the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, forms a water vein of around 1000km that feeds the heart of Iberia before flowing into the crystalline and salty waters of the Atlantic, which is the source of life for countless species that inhabit the central region of this stone raft, as Saramago called it.
Described from time immemorial by geographers, illustrated by cartographers, appreciated by writers and composers who dedicated poems and prose to them, sung by unique voices, painted in so many colors and studied by numerous specialists from different areas, it is, without a doubt, , a river that since its formation some 30 million years ago has been and continues to be vital for the riverside communities that depend on it.
In April, on the 15th and 16th, the 4th Iberian Forum of the Tagus took place in Vila Franca de Xira, organized by the Confraria Ibérica do Tejo (CIT) and by the Municipality of Vila Franca de Xira, with the support of the Faculty of Engineering of the University Center of Lisbon of the Lusófona University.
Within the scope of this event, tribute was paid, in recognition of the work carried out, to six individuals: Prof. Doctor Jorge Paiva, Doctor Maria Adelaide Neto Salvado, Prof. Doctor Filipe Duarte Santos, Prof. Doctor Carvalho Rodrigues, Prof. Doctor António Galopim de Carvalho and Doctor Miguel Mendez-Cabeza.
In the scope of this Forum, an open and plural debate was promoted on the past, present and future challenges of the integrated management of this great river. A formerly free river system (river and tributaries) is now 'encumbered' by hundreds of dams/weirs, and is now 'emptied' by transfers, situations that compromise the hydraulic continuity of this system and interfere with the seasonal natural flows that control fluvial dynamics and ecosystems. For two days, Spanish and Portuguese experts presented and discussed the current (bad) state of the Tagus River (transfers, flows, water quality, hydraulic connectivity) and the future in view of the predicted scenarios of rising mean sea level and climate change .
All the 'voices' were heard, even if in contradiction, because only by presenting, listening, discussing, debating and reflecting together can we arrive at a better proposal that integrates the will of some, without compromising the survival of others. Only then will we be able to help the government in a decision that will affect everyone in the near future.
It is time to look at the river with a holistic look, integrating all areas of knowledge!
We all depend on the vitality and health of the largest Iberian river.
A river is a common good and its future cannot be decided by just a few. It is time to unite voices, knowledge and contribute to a right decision that will condition future generations.
Anabela Cruces
Director of the Degree in Environmental Engineering - Faculty of Engineering (Universidade Lusófona - Centro Universitário Lisboa)
