“The elites cause droughts, spread fear and drive people off the land.” “The environmentalists don’t let the herdsmen work because they want intact forests, and then everything burns.” These are some of the false reports that certain actors who only care about them The voice of rural areas has been spreading for some time under the pretext of supposedly defending the rural environment. It seems that denialism has found a new niche in which to place its narratives to reinforce social conflicts. It’s understandable: Anyone who lives and works in rural areas has already had to bear many crises on their shoulders. Society as a whole is experiencing moments of change, uncertainty and emotions are running high.
It sounds like “divide and conquer”. It’s more than just a ringing bell, it’s a roaring sound when you see with astonishment how certain political parties continue to fuel this duel with the clubs even after the elections in order to continue to gain political advantages. Partisan strategies that promote and exploit the urban-rural divide to increase tensions without offering real solutions to people’s problems. Strategies that, with their inflammatory messages, attempt to hide the fact that in this field there is a constellation of identities and a variety of interests that have coexisted for years and are fighting side by side to preserve their environment. The rural.
A clear example of positive work is the Rural Action Forum (FAR), a group of rural, union, agricultural, forestry, environmental, hunting, women’s, organic production and community organizations that have been building consensus for a decade. Yes, consensus. Debate, of course. Of course with differences of opinion and a new beginning. But with the firm goal of finding a path that leads to a model that respects nature and does justice to the country and its people. Between everyone.
The last of our agreements was the manifesto that we sent to all political parties that aspire to hold the government of the nation in their hands. We challenge you to give up tension and replace it with responsibility. Responsibility towards a rural area that, although it occupies more than 80% of Spain’s territory, is home to less than 20% of its population. A phenomenon, namely depopulation, that requires much more attention from politicians.
The importance of rural areas for the present and future of society is so great that a state policy for the rural environment with all interested actors is crucial. Transparent, participatory, based on a constructive and in-depth debate. And above all, calmness, as we demand from the FAR.
Depopulation is being addressed by prioritizing public services and quality infrastructure in Spain over empty, abandoned land. She struggles with effective social policy. To support women who, in addition to the gap that separates them from the amenities of the urban world, have to add another one: that of gender. It also aims to help the third of unemployed young people who could live in their country but are migrating to the cities without work, leaving an aging country behind.
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By using our forests responsibly, the emptying of cities will be stopped. It will be slowed by combating climate change and protecting soil, water, biodiversity and restoring degraded ecosystems – let’s not forget: they are the basis of all economic activity, including food production. A nature that offers us so many intangible services for society as a whole.
Rural Spain is recovering by relying on sustainable family farming and livestock farming that feeds us while preserving natural and cultural heritage. These are small and medium-sized farms run by people who live and work in a city. Who shop in their stores, who eat in their bars and who chat in their squares. People whose value must be recognized and preserved, who must guarantee fair prices, avoid food speculation and support organic, local and seasonal food. Because their power to contribute to a fair transition to more resilient food systems in the face of global and local challenges such as the current ones is enormous. Without leaving anyone behind.
We know it is an arduous task. And it’s urgent. Not a day goes by that political parties, regardless of their future role, whether opposition or government, do not listen together and truly learn from the diverse voices in the field. Without manipulation or excitement. Because the countryside is not just a fishing ground that you remember every four years – it irritates you. We rural people are pluralistic, we deserve respect and we will be vigilant.
Lorenzo Ramos He is the general secretary of the Union of Small Farmers and Ranchers (UPA) and Juan Carlos Del Olmo He is Secretary General of the WWF and coordinates the units of the Rural Action Forum (FAR).
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