Conferences of the cycle ‘Environmental Thinking and Action on Land’ was resumed last 14th April. On that occasion, Professor Carles Sanchis talked about the importance of modernising irrigation systems. In his speech, Sanchis explained how, in recent years, the professional and academic forums have focused on the advisability of continuing to support the public funding for drip irrigation. This has many significant advantages for farmers in terms of reducing work and production costs, but at the same time generates many uncertainties about its effects on the conservation of water resources. Carles Sanchis explained how at the end of the 20^th a powerful discourse made drip irrigation and irrigation modernisation synonymous. It was a key strategy to improve production and reduce water use that resulted in substantial public and private investment in our country. However, over the last two decades, a new paradigm has emerged. It considers that there was no conclusive scientific evidence to support the widespread belief that irrigation saves water (in net of basin-scal terms).

The conference was held in classroom 1 of the International Centre of Gandia and could be attended in person or online.

Carles Sanchis (València, 1970) holds a Master’s Degree in Geographical Information Systems from the University of Girona and a PhD in Geography from the University of Valencia. He has been working as a researcher at the Valencian Centre for Irrigation Studies (CVER) of the Universitat Politécnica de València since 2000 and as an adjunct lecturer in Geography Department at the University of Valencia since 2001. He has developed his research activity on water from various perspectives, from the hydraulic policy to fluvial geomorphology. He is also chair of the Asuut Foundation Board and President of the Steering Committee of the Albufera de València Natural Park.

This was the fourth conference of this cycle, which aims to promote critical thinking and reflection on ecology and socio-natural relations. As well as addressing the main problems, conflicts and challenges facing the Safor region and neighbouring territories today. This cycle’s last conference will focus on fisheries sustainability and it will be held on 5^th May. A few days before these conferences, registrations will be open and, if the health situation allows it, they will also take place in person.