Water is vital to the survival of humans and all life on our planet, yet it is estimated that between 1.7 and 2.4 billion people will face water scarcity by 2050. Today, about 40% of the Earth’s surface is at risk of desertification.

Seas and oceans contain 97% of the planet’s total water supply. At the same time, human-induced changes in the oceans are affecting the climate, marine ecosystems and coastal communities. More than 3 billion people depend directly on the resources of the oceans for their livelihoods.

In addition, culture, spirituality, mythology and even leisure have been deeply linked to water: In religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Hinduism, water represents purification; in Native American cultures, it is a sacred element; in Greek mythology, the god Poseidon ruled the oceans; in some African cultures, water is a symbol of fertility and a dwelling place for spirits; in ancient Tarraco and throughout the Roman Empire, thermal baths were public baths with areas reserved for gymnastics or recreation; today, beaches, rivers, lakes and springs are areas of leisure and recreation virtually all over the world.

For all these reasons, and with the aim of insisting on the value and transcendence of water for our planet, for our survival and that of ecosystems, this year we are dedicating the programme of the twelfth edition of TALENT LATENT to exploring the theme of water.