As tensions around water management continue to mount, the “mega-basin” debate rages on. The scientific community is questioning the relevance of these basins, which are supposed to reduce pressure on the environment by supporting intensive irrigation. We review the new issue of Cahiers de Futura. Water, a (in)exhaustible resource? », our quarterly magazine in 100% digital format.
“Mega-basins”, these vast artificial reservoirs that store water in the winter for use in the summer, are one of the answers provided to farmers to the challenges posed by water scarcity in certain regions. There pressurepressure increasing Climate changeClimate change According to the Ministry of Environmental Transition and Regional Coordination, farmers took the lead in strengthening their irrigation capacities, resulting in a 23 percent increase in irrigable areas between 2010 and 2020. If 51 percent of market horticulture and horticulture farms are equipped with irrigation systems, this ButBut Of which irrigated land has the largest share (38%), followed by wheat (12%) and fresh vegetables (9%). Investments that may prove insufficient, as “IPCC estimates increase the risk of increased extreme rainfall events, increased erosion, FloodFlood and much more pronounced dry episodes,” points out Soil Science Professor Pascal Bouyon (HES-SO Geneva) and Agricultural EngineerAgricultural Engineer.
Tablecloths that feel more difficult to recharge.
To maintain the same level of production, the solution is support and financial assistance from the state constructionconstruction Storage basin. Obviously, not all of these basins are the size of Saint-Saillon. To characterize what we today call a “megabasin”, a water body must be able to measure more than 50,000 m3 and/or more than one hectare. In France, they are mainly located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Pays de la Loire, Rhône-Alpes-Auvergne region and the southern region.
On paper, these basins have little hydrological impact and should make it possible to…
This article comes from Cahiers de Futura – n°3 – “Water, an (in)exhaustible resource?” New version of 100% digital Mag Futura. Unlock full access to this fascinating article by purchasing this issue or subscribing to Cahiers de Futura. For just 25 euros per year, receive 4 issues of Cahiers de Futura directly to your mailbox.
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