Torrevieja hosts the first "Climate for Change" meeting organized by Hidraqua and the University of Alicante.

This round table has focused on how the tourism sector, so important in Torrevieja, can work in the fight against the climate crisis and its effects in this region. The objective is to contextualize and make known how the future scenario is going to affect tourism, also addressing key aspects such as the importance of climate for tourism, how tourism affects climate change (CC), how CC affects tourism, policies and normative instruments, etc.

The mayor of Torrevieja has announced the actions that are being carried out by the City Council as the Strategic Tourism Plan, which has two essential premises: sustainability and accessibility. Among the most important is the implementation of a new urban public transport model, with electric and hybrid buses, which will become much more dynamic, efficient, accessible and sustainable than the current one, which will transform it in many aspects. An update of the urban image since the implementation of the Accessibility Plan. An enhancement of the unique natural spaces of the city, especially its environmental values and our beaches, as well as a commitment to unique urban actions, increasing public facilities and free spaces for public use.

Eduardo Dolón also presented in this round table the European Program for the regeneration of neighborhoods with the commitment to sustainable buildings, as well as the Rainwater Plan that is being developed to reuse rainwater, in addition to the Smart Tourist Destination Plan.

For his part, Jorge Ballesta highlighted in one of his speeches that the protection of ecosystems also involves caring for biodiversity in the

facilities linked to the integral water cycle, which is why AGAMED has launched a plan that is already 100% implemented to eliminate phytosanitary products and pesticides. In addition, Ballesta pointed out that action protocols have been incorporated against invasive exotic species and promotes naturalization through the installation of nests for bats and birds, insect hotels, etc. Thus, in the green areas of these facilities, management has been used that generates a positive environmental impact.

Marco A. Celdrán, Doctor in Tourism from the University of Alicante, regarding the fight against the climate crisis and its effects in our region, has indicated that extreme phenomena are becoming more frequent and that our planet has undergone many stages of change climate, but this is the first time that it is a consequence of human activity, hence it is necessary to establish policies to reduce the carbon footprint, having to reorganize tourist destinations.

The initiative is included within the annual agreement that Hidraqua maintains with the University of Alicante in order to promote joint academic and cultural activities in those municipalities where the company and its affiliated companies, such as Agamed, operate. Each of these meetings is focused on a specific sector and has experts in the field from the University of Alicante, Hidraqua and the City Council where each day is organized.

The cycle has begun today in Torrevieja and will then tour other venues such as Orihuela, Elda, Alicante or Petrer. Thus, each of these meetings will be able to focus on one of the most representative sectors of the Community, always with an eye on the fight against the climate crisis; and will conclude in January 2023 in the city of Alicante.