Developing markets for water reallocation: Revisiting the experience of Spanish water mercantilización

摘要: Abstract Economic instruments are being promoted as a desirable alternative to public sector action in the allocation and management of natural resources. A wide body literature has developed that critically analyzes this phenomenon part wider project ‘neoliberalization nature’, trying uncover underlying rationale commonalities geographically specific phenomena. The case water is at vanguard these processes proving be particularly contentious. In European Union policies increasingly emphasizing application economic improve allocative equity efficiency use scarce However, there few analyses how really working on ground whether they meeting their objectives. This paper aims contribute debate by analyzing experience with markets Spain, only country where operative. It looks permit sales during 2005–2008 drought period using Tajo–Segura transfer infrastructure. describes institutional process mercantilizacion works practice Spain. shows requires an intense development facilitate encourage operation. These institutions tend favor interests clearly identifiable elites, instead interest supposedly promote.