Potenical Ecocide in Europe’s Last Oasis
Map
Map
Story & Experience
With a group of 6 people from the village of Los Molinos del Río Aguas, we set out on 4 May to connect with the place and apologise to nature for the ongoing destruction of this magical valley. The participants shared their personal connection to the place, explored it and got in touch with it. We brought an orange and 5 litres of water from the river. Together we made a bird out of dead wood and other objects from the area and presented it with our gifts. The emotional connection to this place was palpable for all of us. On the way back, we collected many kilos of plastic waste in the already dry riverbed of the upper reaches of the Río Aguas.
With a group of 6 people from the village of Los Molinos del Río Aguas, we set out on 4 May to connect with the place and apologise to nature for the ongoing destruction of this magical valley. The participants shared their personal connection to the place, explored it and got in touch with it. We brought an orange and 5 litres of water from the river. Together we made a bird out of dead wood and other objects from the area and presented it with our gifts. The emotional connection to this place was palpable for all of us. On the way back, we collected many kilos of plastic waste in the already dry riverbed of the upper reaches of the Río Aguas.
Why this Place?
Los Molinos del Río Aguas, Almería, Andalusia, Spain
A potential ecocide is currently taking place in Europe’s only oasis in southern Spain. Only 800 metres from the source of the Río Aguas, wells are being drilled to irrigate olive trees with the water. The Río Aguas is the only river that flows all year round in this semi-arid to arid region. So close to its source, the extraction of groundwater jeopardises the existence of the river and thus endangered and endemic species. If the Río Aguas dries up, there will be no comparable habitat for birds, reptiles, insects and mammals, including the people who live here. The Río Aguas and the surrounding gypsum karst mountains are geologically and biologically unique, and their endangerment for profit maximisation is an expression of human ignorance and greed.
Act of Beauty
While two participants sang a song to the brothers and sisters of the air and water, two eagles appeared in the sky and circled above us.
Additional Photos
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