"Flowing" to fight river pollution

• World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5, reminds us of the importance of protecting our ecosystems and acting against the most urgent environmental challenges. 

According to the United Nations, an estimated 11 million tons of plastic waste end up in lakes, rivers, and oceans every year, equivalent to the weight of more than 1,000 Eiffel Towers. River pollution poses a direct threat to biodiversity and the health of natural environments, making it essential to support initiatives that promote their recovery and conservation.

Industrial and agricultural waste, high levels of pesticides, and heavy urban waste loads are some of the main factors behind the declining quality of rivers in Spain. This has led to a drop in populations of native and migratory fish species, endemic mollusks, and invertebrates. Additionally, the spread of invasive plant and animal species also affects river conservation

Decline and Degradation of Water Resources

A recent report from the European Commission reveals that only 39.5% of surface water bodies in the EU are in good condition. In Spain specifically, up to 46% of rivers are in poor condition due to water pollution, according to the 2023–2030 National River Restoration Strategy report by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition. One of the biggest challenges highlighted in the report is the significant decline and degradation of water resources in river basins.

To help address this issue, Imagin, the neobank backed by CaixaBank, has identified ten rivers across Spain to be part of its environmental program, “Fluye” (Flow). The initiative aims to remove 250,000 kilograms of waste from rivers and watersheds across the country, including the Miño and Ulla (Galicia), Nalón (Asturias), Jarama (Madrid), Tagus (Castilla-La Mancha), Duero (Castilla y León), Ebro (Tarragona and Zaragoza), Llobregat (Barcelona), Guadalquivir (Andalusia), and Turia (Valencia).

More than 600 volunteers will take part in the cleanup efforts, removing all kinds of waste from plastics and metals to processed wood, glass, textiles, rubber, and construction debris. The work will begin in June and continue through December. In addition to the volunteers, many of whom will be students, machinery will be used in areas heavily affected by uncontrolled dumping. In the case of the Turia River, over 2,000 native riverside plants will also be replanted to help restore

Monitoring and Awareness Initiatives

During manual cleanups, waste will be sorted and weighed by type, helping to gather both quantitative and qualitative data on the impact of pollution in natural environments. An international methodology will also be used to monitor the waste, helping to better understand the amounts, types, and sources of pollution. This data will support the development of strategies focused on prevention and improved waste management.

The program also includes awareness-raising activities, such as educational talks for young people in schools near the selected rivers, as well as for other interested groups. The Ministry of the Environment considers this preventive approach a priority to avoid further degradation of rivers.

“Fluye” is being carried out in collaboration with Chelonia, an international nonprofit environmental organization focused on scientific research, conservation of endangered species and ecosystems, climate neutrality, sustainability,

Environmental Commitment

Over the past five years, Imagin, through its initiative ImaginPlanet, has supported causes for the conservation and regeneration of oceans and forests. One example is the MedCoral program, which has helped restore orange coral in the Mediterranean by creating Europe’s first artificial coral reef in Almuñécar, followed by another in Nerja. Thanks to this initiative, more than 120,000 corals have been planted, over 4,000 larvae have been released, and more than 137 species have been attracted to the reefs, positively

In today’s global context of climate urgency and the need for a sustainable transition, CaixaBank continues to play a leading role in sustainability. Environmental protection is one of the bank’s strategic priorities. CaixaBank has a comprehensive environmental and climate strategy aimed at supporting the transition to a sustainable economy through f inancing and investing in green projects, managing environmental and climate risks, decarbonizing its investment and loan portfolios, and reducing the direct impact of its operations through clean and efficient management.

With its Sustainability Plan, one of the pillars of its 2025–2027 Strategic Plan, CaixaBank strengthens its commitment to sustainability through its financial activities. The bank aims to support businesses and households in achieving their goals by offering solutions that accelerate the economic transition and improve people’s financial well-being. Over the next three years, CaixaBank plans to mobilize €100 billion in sustainable finance, adding to the more than €86.7 billion mobilized under its previous three-year plan, 35% more than the original €64 billion target.