In a milestone event for the Water Positive Think Tank, both personally and professionally, we were invited to Castell de Raymat. At first, it seemed like just another meeting to promote the initiative through culture and art, but the event not only brought together brilliant minds in sustainability and integrated water management, it also served as a bridge between a visionary past and a sustainable future.
Among the distinguished attendees were Domingo Zarzo from SACYR and President of the Spanish Association for Desalination and Reuse (AEDyR); Daniele Strongone from American Water Chemicals (AWC); Alejandro Sturniolo, Director of IDRA (International Desalination Association); Gabriel Blejman from Aqua Positive, who designed the project alongside the team; and Paula Pérez Sánchez from Acciona, the company responsible for offsetting both the water footprint and carbon footprint of the Raimat Festival—the first festival in the world to proudly declare itself “water positive” and “carbon negative.” Acciona, a leader in sustainability and integrated resource management, has taken on the commitment to reduce and neutralize its environmental impact.
The Raimat Festival represents a new paradigm in sustainable events, committing to generate more water than it consumes and remove more CO2 than it emits during the event. This festival stands as an example for events worldwide and serves as a model for any initiative promoting sustainability. This regenerative approach not only mitigates the environmental impact typically associated with large-scale events but also actively contributes to restoring the local ecosystem, setting a new standard for the event industry and beyond.
The story of Raimat can be summarized in one word: Vision. More than 100 years ago, in 1914, Manuel Raventós dreamed of revitalizing an arid and barren land in the province of Lleida and transforming it into what we now know as a sea of organic vineyards. Rooted in the principles of Regenerative Economy, he not only created vineyards where there was nothing before, but also ensured biodiversity conservation and environmental respect, achieving a profitable and sustainable operation.
Raimat is a pioneer in agricultural and oenological technologies, managing nearly 3,000 hectares individually, allowing for the production of unique and environmentally friendly wines. Additionally, Raimat Natura, with more than 700 hectares, provides a space for activities among organic vineyards, home to over a hundred species of flora and fauna.
The visit to Castell de Raymat went beyond professional matters when Elena de Carandini Raventós shared the fascinating history of her great-grandfather, Manuel Raventós. A century ago, Manuel purchased vast areas of desert land with the vision of transforming them into fertile soil. What is now one of Europe’s most important granaries began with a dream, inspired by a simple discovery—a stone carved by an ancient Arab population of the region, now displayed at the entrance of the castle.
The story of Manuel Raventós deeply resonated with members of the Think Tank. His trial-and-error approach to soil improvement, his plan for carbon storage, and his relentless perseverance, which eventually led to the creation of the Codorníu cava empire, as well as wines and other spirits, served as a powerful reminder of what vision and determination can achieve.
In an era with limited resources and without modern technology, Manuel achieved an environmental transformation that many today might consider impossible.
For the Water Positive Think Tank members, currently envisioning a regenerative future, the story of Manuel Raventós was more than inspiring—it was a validation. If a century ago, with limited resources, it was possible to turn a desert into fertile land, what could be achieved today with advanced knowledge and cutting-edge technology?
The legacy of Manuel Raventós and his family serves as a guiding light for the Water Positive Think Tank and all those committed to creating a sustainable future. It reminds us that the path to sustainability is not new—it is built upon the foundations laid by past visionaries. The key lies in combining this inherited vision with modern innovation, scientific knowledge, and unwavering determination.
As Albert Einstein once said: “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity”—a reflection that perfectly aligns with the mission of the Water Positive Think Tank.
With this spirit in mind, the Think Tank faces today’s challenges with the same vision and determination that drove Manuel Raventós over a century ago, proving that even in the most difficult times, regenerative solutions can flourish.
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