Dozens kayak Ebre river to demonstrate against water transfer

Around 100 people kayaked down the Ebre river in southern Catalonia, from Xerta to Tortosa, to demonstrate against the river's transfer on Sunday.

The distance between the two municipalities is around 20 kilometers, and the protesters reaffirmed their commitment to defending the river, a commitment that extends beyond the recent drought.

Despite the river's higher water capacity compared to last year, the social platform Plataforma en Defensa de l'Ebre reminded everyone that their battle continues. They also highlighted the importance of the river's sediments, which are essential for the health of the river and the Mediterranean Sea.

"The Ebre River's water provides nutrients to the sea," Susanna Abella, a platform member, told the Catalan News Agency (ACN).

The protest started in Xerta, which is the 24th time that organizers have planned the kayaking demonstration.

"It is a way to bring the river closer to society. Understanding the river is also a way to love it and take care of it," Abella added. 

Pepita Boix, a 77-year-old woman, has participated in this kayaking protest for years. "The Ebre river belongs to us locals. If we don't do anything, outsiders will do even less," she told ACN.

This is the first summer without water restrictions due to the registered drought in recent years. However, the platform warns that the water situation is not over.

"Reservoirs are not at full capacity as in normal years, we must issue a warning message of caution," Abella told before adding that "during drought periods, we must learn to preserve water and prioritize its use for certain things over others."