Sustainable irrigation in areas with an arid and semi-arid climate in the province of Alicante

The lack of water in sufficient quantity and quality is the main cause of the reduction of the irrigated area in the region studied in the province of Alicante. The irrigated area has incorporated the most advanced agricultural techniques (greenhouses) and irrigation systems for greater efficiency in water use (localized) obtaining economic, social and environmental sustainability. This vanguard agriculture is sustainable, profitable, exports on both a national scale and to the European Union, generates employment, enjoys a favourable income situation and has a set of objective conditions and advantages confirming its importance in the recent process of agrarian economy. This new agricultural irrigation has been the engine of economic and social development but it is not a final solution to solve the problems of regional imbalance.