What if recovery after a climate disaster comes from people and place?

Drawing inspiration from the Tribunal de les Aigües, Valencia’s reconstruction after the DANA disaster can embrace local governance, equity, and placemaking to build a stronger, more sustainable territory.

A country historically linked to water should never lose sight of its territorial assets and values, especially in critical moments such as the tragedy caused by the DANA of October 2024. Valencia faces a decisive moment of reconstruction, where the floods have exposed both the vulnerabilities of our territory and the urgent need for a profound change in resource management, urban planning, and community protection.

In this monumental task, we can find inspiration in an institution that is part of our collective DNA: the Tribunal de les Aigües de València (Water Tribunal of Valencia). Recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this institution is not merely a historical relic; it is Valencia’s most significant contribution to the history of economic thought and a living example of how non-hierarchical solutions can function effectively.

What is the Tribunal de les Aigües?

The Tribunal de les Aigües is the oldest existing legal institution in Europe, dating back over a thousand years. It is a democratic water court composed of elected representatives from the irrigation communities of the Huerta of Valencia, who resolve conflicts related to the use of irrigation water. It meets every Thursday at noon outside the Cathedral of Valencia, delivering swift and fair verdicts based on oral tradition and customary law. While it does not oversee urban planning or disaster recovery, its principles of local governance, equity, and efficiency offer valuable lessons for our current challenges.

Applying the Tribunal’s Philosophy to Post-DANA Reconstruction

The Tribunal, with its democratic and territory-based operation, was a fundamental case study in the research of Elinor Ostrom, the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Economics. Ostrom demonstrated that local communities could manage common resources more sustainably and fairly than centralized or hierarchical structures. The Tribunal de les Aigües is a living example of this theory, and its relevance today is undeniable.

Although the Tribunal does not engage in planning or reconstruction, its philosophy and methods offer key insights. The Tribunal represents a model of direct and participatory local governance, where farmers come together to decide on water distribution in a democratic and transparent manner. This model could be applied to the current recovery process by creating neighborhood councils—or emergency and reconstruction committees, as currently proposed—that integrate local residents in decision-making regarding investments, reconstruction priorities, and future planning.

If those who have directly suffered the consequences of the DANA have a voice in decision-making, we can achieve a more equitable model adapted to the real needs of each community.

Relevance to Placemaking

This approach aligns with placemaking principles, which emphasize community-driven urban and public space development. Placemaking is about creating places that reflect the needs, culture, and aspirations of the people who use them. The Tribunal de les Aigües embodies this philosophy by empowering local communities to take charge of their resources in a transparent and inclusive manner. Applying this model to reconstruction efforts ensures that rebuilding is not just about repairing damage but about making places more resilient, just, and deeply connected to their people.

The Tribunal operates on a principle of equity: everyone has the right to the water necessary for their crops. This principle is especially relevant in a context where floods have had unequal impacts. The most vulnerable families have been the hardest hit. Recovery should prioritize the areas and people who have suffered the most—not only for social justice but also because a territory is only as strong as its weakest elements.

At a time when resources for reconstruction are limited, efficiency is key. The Tribunal de les Aigües, with its simple and effective water distribution system, reminds us that local and pragmatic solutions are often the best. Investments should focus on infrastructure that maximizes positive impact: sustainable drainage systems, green areas that absorb water, and neighborhoods designed to withstand future floods.

The Tribunal also teaches us about respect for territory and natural resources. The DANA is a warning we cannot ignore. We have urbanized without respecting natural water courses, with devastating results. Now, we have an opportunity to restore our rivers, protect wetlands, and create spaces that balance urban function with environmental preservation.

A Symbol of Collective Identity

Beyond its practical governance model, the Tribunal de les Aigües is also a ritual that defines who Valencians are as a collective. Our response to the tragedy should also have a symbolic dimension: creating spaces that commemorate the victims, celebrate recovery, and inspire us to build a better future. The process should not be limited to repairing damage—it should be an opportunity to transform our territory into a more just and sustainable place. And, at the same time, a place that feels even more like our own.

→ This article is also published on the Placemaking Europe community page, a previous version was published in Catalan on elDiario.es.