Sustainability and social-ecological resilience in the Ebro delta

Abstract

This article presents the Ebro delta as an example of a fragile coastal social-ecological system that is exposed not only to the consequences of the current climate change, but also to human actions that threaten the sustainability of the delta itself. The article begins with a brief conceptual overview of social-ecological resilience and its relationship to sustainability as key concepts to better understand the recent and future evolution and adaptations of the delta. An introduction to the delta area and its transformation is then presented, emphasizing current anthropogenic changes and social-ecological challenges and problems that the delta will have to address in the coming decades. This is followed by an analysis of the spatial and environmental plans and instruments developed and implemented over the past three decades in the Ebro delta. The article concludes with a discussion about the future sustainability and resilience of this socio-ecological system.