SWITCH Project in Zaragoza

Sectorial Board of the Local Agenda 21: Water Commission

Even though until now Zaragoza has not taken part in the Learning Alliances of SWITCH Project, it has organs for the participation of the citizens such as the Sectorial Board of the Local Agenda 21 (Consejo Sectorial de la Agenda 21 Local). This organ of participation has been created by the City of Zaragoza and forms part of the Social Board of the city. More specifically, it is charged of affairs having an impact on the urban environment or affecting in any way to it.

The Board is formed by a high number of citizen entities, public administrations and institutions that represent the different social sectors. It is headed by the current councillor of Environment and Sustainability and chaired by the chief executive of Urban Planning, Housing, Architecture and Environment.

Five commissions have been created within the Board to study and debate with its members on very sensitive or relevant aspects related to different natural resources and environmental measures. The Committees are:

• Water Committee
• Committee on Environmental Taxes
• Committee on Climate Change
• Committee on Biodiversity
• Committee on Municipal By Laws.

The Water Committee was formed in 2004 for the study, discussion, analysis and drawing of proposals related to water. It is a mix committee with the participation of representatives and specialists from the City and other institutions, as well as of local stakeholders from specific sectors. The results of the works made by the Committee will be presented in the Sectorial Council of the Agenda 21 Local.

Meetings of the Water Committee:

• 13 December 2004
• 23 May 2005
• 20 November 2006
• 12 February 2007
• 17 December 2008

The Water Committee has dealt with topics as important as the drawing of a new Municipal By Law on Water, work related to the International Exposition 2008 on Water, SWITCH Project or new proposals for supplying drinking water to Zaragoza.