During the inauguration of the “International Year of Water Cooperation 2013”, convened by the United Nations, the importance of establishing links between the industrial and scientific sectors in order to generate and develop innovative and sustainable alternatives in the water sector was pointed out.

In this sense, within the framework of the inauguration, experts have pointed out the importance of advocating for the circular economy, a commitment to zero waste and the reuse of resources, to face these challenges of the future.

It is a primary resource that, while maintaining the same volume, faces a greater number of consumers, a growing demand that requires responsible management for this limited resource.

On the other hand, outstanding data such as the consumption of 70% of fresh water by agriculture (placing Spain above this average) were pointed out, as an example of the need to establish an efficient distribution of water.

Coinciding with the International Year of Cooperation in the Sphere of Water 2013, a travelling exhibition, “The sphere of water”, has been programmed in Spain (www.agua2013.es), to raise awareness of the various aspects of this resource and to raise awareness of the economic, social and environmental importance of this resource. An exhibition developed by the CSIC and Aqualogy, curated by the Institute of Environmental Diagnosis and Water Studies.