SMAGUA, the International Water and Irrigation Exhibition, celebrated its 50th anniversary last night with a commemorative gala at the iconic Water Tower in Zaragoza. The event brought together leading figures from the water sector, institutional representatives, and companies that have supported the exhibition throughout its five-decade history of promoting innovation and sustainability in water management.

In his speech, Jorge Villarroya, president of Feria de Zaragoza, highlighted SMAGUA's evolution from its beginnings in 1974 as a Biennial Monographic Water Exhibition to its current status as an international benchmark for technology and solutions for the water cycle. "The history of SMAGUA is the story of constant evolution, of a sector that has known how to adapt to the changes and challenges of the times," he stated.

During the gala, Villarroya expressed his gratitude to the Government of Aragon, whose support has been key in consolidating the event as a driving force for transformation in the region and the water sector: “Thank you for making it possible for us to be here today and for your constant support of this event, which continues to promote the development and modernization of the water industry,” he said.

The event was attended by prominent authorities, including Javier Rincón, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food of the Government of Aragon; Dolores Pascual, Director General of Water at the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge; Carlos Arrazola, President of the Ebro River Basin Authority; and other institutional and industry representatives.

Minister Javier Rincón highlighted Aragon's role as a leader in the efficient use of water and emphasized that the creation of SMAGUA in Aragon was not by chance, but rather a consequence of the historical importance of water in the region. She also highlighted "the long history of this competition, marked by its dynamism and capacity to adapt to the constant changes experienced in the water and environmental sectors over these 50 years."

Dolores Pascual emphasized SMAGUA's relevance in the development of the water and environmental sector, highlighting its key role in public-private cooperation for innovation in water management. She also underscored the importance of efficient and sustainable water resource management in the current context of climate change, stressing the need for close collaboration between the various government bodies and the private sector to address present and future challenges in this area.

The president of the Ebro River Basin Authority, Carlos Arrazola, emphasized in his address that river basin authorities are intrinsically linked to promoting sound agricultural development, this connection being a fundamental part of their essence and mission. In this regard, he emphasized that SMAGUA has been, throughout its 50-year history, a key meeting point for fostering this relationship, promoting dialogue among institutions, companies, and professionals in the water sector and its application to agricultural and environmental development.

One of the most moving moments of the evening was the special recognition given to Juan Alberto Belloch, Roque Gistau, Antonio García Budía, and Dolores Pascual, former presidents of the SMAGUA Organizing Committee, and to the current president, Carlos Arrazola. The organizers presented them with a commemorative plaque in gratitude for their outstanding work and valuable contribution to the growth and consolidation of this event over the years.

Looking to the future, the 50th anniversary celebration reinforces SMAGUA's commitment to sustainability and efficient water management, addressing the challenges of climate change and water scarcity. "This anniversary reminds us that water is a common good and that its responsible management is a priority for everyone," Villarroya stressed.

SMAGUA thus continues its legacy as a meeting point for the sector, promoting innovation and international cooperation on the path towards a more sustainable future.