This project has sought to propose a series of management alternatives in order to reduce evaporation losses in the Barbate river basin.

The University of Cádiz has completed the project “Analysis of strategies to reduce evaporation losses and improve the state of aquifers under a context of climate change in the Barbate river basin”, which has the support of the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition, within the framework of its call for grants.

The initiative has sought to propose a series of management alternatives in order to reduce evaporation losses in the Barbate river basin and improve the state of its aquifers, in addition to studying the environmental consequences in a context of climate change. In addition, the REMABAR project has been framed in the research and transfer work of the University of Cadiz, aimed at improving the knowledge and awareness of Cadiz society in aspects related to water and adaptation to climate change.

The case of the Barbate River basin has been addressed from several perspectives: an analysis of the spatio-temporal distribution, trends and extreme episodes in the last 108 years (precipitation) and 74 years (temperature). The results have not identified a trend towards aridity of the climate based on annual or monthly average values, although there is a greater irregularity and occurrence of drought episodes. The projections made by different institutions on the impact of climate change in the area have been compiled, which vary according to methodology, time horizon and scenario; all admit greater uncertainty in the prediction of the reduction in precipitation than in the increase in temperature.

In addition, a GIS methodology has been developed to assess the suitability of the location of reservoirs according to evaporation according to the morphological characteristics of the terrain and a tool for the rapid calculation of evaporation.

The project has advanced in the knowledge of the functioning and state of the Benalup aquifer and in particular in its capacity to be used as a strategic reservoir against drought. On the other hand, the implemented model of basin operation allows the response to different scenarios to be evaluated. Finally, a qualitative and quantitative assessment has been carried out in terms of aquatic habitats and species.