The president of the College of Geologists Luis Suárez believes that the environmental sector "will lead the way out of the economic crisis."
Madrid, December 17, 2010.- The Ministry of Environment, Rural Affairs and Marine Affairs (MAMRM) will promote the development of a sustainable, low-carbon and more efficient Spanish economy in the use of natural and material resources. This was stated last night by Jesús Huertas, general director of Quality and Environmental Assessment of the ministry at the annual dinner of the Illustrious Official College of Geologists (ICOG).
In that line, Huertas advocated "changing the current economic model towards one that is more respectful of the environment, capable of providing quality jobs." The representative of the MAMRM recalled that the so-called green economy is one of the "fundamental aspects of the Government's agenda as has been demonstrated in the Sustainable Economy Law." He also affirmed that at the next Rio 20 Conference on Sustainable Development "the central axis will be the green economy in a context of poverty eradication."
With regard to renewable energies, Jesús Huertas cited the National Renewable Energy Plan (PANER), which sets the use of these clean energies at 22.7% of total consumption. He indicated that "all efforts are being made to maintain this bet despite the economic situation."
In relation to geothermal energy, he commented on the ministry's support for this energy source through aid programs for the exploration and research phases, the implementation of a certification training model and the promotion of knowledge of the subsoil to evaluate the geothermal potential.
The general director of Quality and Environmental Assessment proposed a Water State Pact, which articulates each hydrographic basin, to reach "future agreements with all the agents involved". The water management model "has to ensure availability and quality for all uses and all people," Huertas said.
Green employment to get out of the crisis.
For his part, Luis Suárez, president of ICOG, said that the environmental sector "will be in charge of leading the way out of the economic crisis." "Leading sectors such as energy saving and efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable tourism and organic farming are the basis of the green economy," said the president of ICOG.
Suárez placed geothermal energy as "the renewable energy of the future" and demanded that the rules governing the research, design and commissioning of geothermal facilities "be open to all competent professionals."
The president of the ICOG also warned of the "growing impact of natural disasters", so he stressed the need for risk mapping to prevent future disasters.
Finally, in reference to water policy, he considered that "an erroneous policy is being applied more concerned with carrying out an inventory of hydraulic works than in the study of water resources, especially aquifers." For this reason, the president of the ICOG asked the MAMRM to assume the competences in the groundwater concessions, regulated by "obsolete mining regulations".
Illustrious Official College of Geologists (ICOG) The ICOG is a non-profit institution created for the defense and support of the interests of Geologists according to Law 73/1978 of December 26. Among its essential purposes, the organization of the activity or exercise of the profession of Geologist and the exclusive representation and defense of its interests stand out. Based in Madrid, the College has offices in Aragon, Asturias, Catalonia and the Basque Country. For more information, you can visit www.icog.es. (EUROPA PRESS)
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