Water has always been an essential resource for life, but it has also been a key element in global economic and political dynamics. The exhibition “H2O, from Commodity to Common Good”, promoted by the Institut Desigualtats, provided a deep reflection on water management and access across different regions of the world, from Catalonia to Palestine, passing through Colombia, Guatemala, and Senegal.
Through an immersive and documentary-based journey, the exhibition invited the public to question the current water management model, often dominated by private interests, and to explore alternatives based on sustainability and social justice. Various thematic sections analyzed specific cases where the commodification of water has led to inequalities, as well as community-led initiatives that have succeeded in securing this resource as a fundamental right rather than a market product.
The exhibition highlighted the struggles of communities affected by water privatization and exploitation, showcasing experiences of resistance and collective management. Additionally, it provided tools to understand how climate change and economic interests impact water availability and what actions could be taken to defend universal access to this vital resource.
“H2O, from Commodity to Common Good” was a unique opportunity to rethink the role of water in our lives and understand how political and economic decisions shape its management. The exhibition raised awareness and encouraged action to protect this essential resource for the future of all societies.
📌 The exhibition was open to visitors from March 4 to March 11, 2025, in the lobby of the IDAEA-CSIC (Institute of Environmental Diagnosis and Water Studies in Barcelona), located at C/ Jordi Girona 18-26, Barcelona.