Policy and management of water as a common-pool resource in Spain : The case of the aquifer 'Carbonatado de la Loma de Úbeda'

Abstract: The issue of water is constantly attracting attention on a global scale. Achieving a reduction of water use is difficult, due to population growth and pressure from agriculture inter alia. Therefore a more efficient management of the resource is of importance. The Master thesis investigates the policy and management of water as a common pool resource with the main focus on the aquifer 'Carbonatado de la Loma de Úbeda', located in the province of Jaen in southern Spain. The study examines the policy applied in managing the issues from extensive irrigation practices, the role of EU and solutions discussed for water improvements in the area. The study also covers the major issues of water management in the aquifer and the main actors participating in the process of managing the water resource. The alternatives towards a sustainable water use in the aquifer are also discussed.   Besides a literature study interviews were conducted consisting of farmers, the main Association and authorities in the area of the aquifer. The result from the interviews indicates major issues regarding control of water use in the area, a large expansion of wells, over extraction of water and an overexploited aquifer. The study also revealed conflicts between major actors, lack of management, and a gap between policy and implementation. Cooperation and improvement of the water situation is highly necessary. There needs to be a change in policy and management to reach an improvement of the water resource.