Water and Sustainable Development
The Expo Zaragoza 2008 will be an international celebration of the dynamic relationship between water and human societies, in a global, effective and supportive project, created on the basis of an enduring concept: water and sustainable development.
This international exposition aims to create a new type of themed exposition, open to all: to all cultures and points of view. Where each participant has an important role when reflecting, sharing experiences and contributing imaginative solutions, based on the global theme of water.
The Water Tribune, whose role it is to provide the intellectual foundations for Expo Zaragoza 2008 will provide a platform for more than 2000 international experts in the field of water, over nine Themed Weeks divided into 23 major themes. Scientists, technicians, administrators and users, entrepreneurs, politicians, philosophers, academics, researchers, communicators, intellectuals and students will put forward their proposals for public policies, some of which will be new, and others which will recall the valuable knowledge gained in the past.
Climate change, the geopolitics of water, health and education will all be elements which are present in the Themed Weeks. This is not only meant for debate, but also as a vehicle to find solutions to the new paradigm for water in the 21st Century. The work sessions, in which experts and members of the public will participate, will take place from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm in the Water Tribune Pavilion. In the final days of Expo Zaragoza 2008, and as a culmination to the Themed Weeks, the International Symposium on Water and Sustainable Development will take place on 11th September. This event will synthesize and bring coherence and meaning to the results and proposals which will be fully documented and publicly announced at the reading of the Zaragoza Charter.
EXHIBITION SPACES
A History of Water
In this room, the audiovisual, A History of Water, will be projected on a dome, addressing the appearance of water in the universe, and its importance to our planet.
Water on the Earth
The room is based on the surprising fact that the amount of water on our planet never changes. The displays in the space convey information and understanding of water and its properties, the water cycle, and the role of water in forming different ecosystems. The largest collections of gemstones in the world, on loan from Royal Collections, will also be a part of this exhibit.
Spain and Water
In this space, visitors will learn about the water in Spain’s river basins and lakes, and also the water hidden in the different types of underground aquifers. Displays will reflect three areas in which Spain is particularly active: Water and International Cooperation, Polar scientific Research and Water Management Technology.
Climate Change
The pavilion could hardly omit a reflection about climate change, and in collaboration with ‘la Caixa’ Foundation, it presents a unique exhibition that includes the latest research findings by leading experts from all over the world. An entertaining but rigorous examination of geological time, biological time, and human time will lead us to the fundamental laws of nature and the interactions between different types of ecosystems.
ZaragozaKyoto. Architecture for a Sustainable Planet
In keeping with its policies, expressed consistently in all international forums, Spain is attempting to fulfill its commitments as a signatory of the Kyoto agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This implies changes in all areas that affect the environment, and one of these is construction. The exhibition will feature ten projects by internationally renowned architects and studios working in the sustainable design field.
SERVICES
Restaurant
The pavilion’s restaurant, seating up to 150 in people two dining rooms, will feature Spanish haute cuisine under the direction of Enrique Martínez, (whose internationally-acclaimed Maher restaurant has one Michelin star and two Campsa suns.) Adjoining the restaurant is a multi-purpose room also accommodating some 150 people.
Fair Trade Shop
In accordance with the environmental concern that inspired both the building and the contents of the pavilion, the shop is managed by the State Coordinator of Fair Trade. Visitors can purchase ecological and ethnic products in the knowledge that profits will go to the producers in the developing world. Other goods include scientific gadgets and promotional items furnished by SEEI, plus publications.
