The transfer from the Ebro basin to the Mediterranean basins as a decision of the 2001 national hydrological plan: The main problems posed

The main objective of the National Hydrological Plan of Spain is to transfer water from the Ebro River to basins along the Mediterranean coast. However, fundamen tal studies that should have been carried out before the Plan was approved are still not available. Among these are cost-benefit analyses of the transfer, nature of its beneficiaries, potential users who can afford this high-priced water, and social and environmental impacts of the project. In addition, the proposed transfer of water does not reflect modern thinking on water management, nor does it consider the latest technological alternatives.