A GLOBAL ACADEMIC ALLIANCE FOR THE PLANET: BARCELONA TO HOST THE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS “WATER AND OXYGEN FOR THE PLANET”
A GLOBAL ACADEMIC ALLIANCE FOR THE PLANET: BARCELONA TO HOST THE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS “WATER AND OXYGEN FOR THE PLANET” by Tony Avilés
BARCELONA, Spain – As the global climate crisis demands urgent solutions and renewed commitment, the city of Barcelona is set to become the stage for a landmark event where scientific rigor meets the transformative power of art. From September 7th to 9th, 2026, the First International Congress and Pictorial Exhibition “Water and Oxygen for the Planet” will gather leaders, thinkers, and citizens to address the existential threats facing our ecosystems.
This high-impact gathering is organized by Terra Nostra (Education, Research, Art, and Culture) in close collaboration with the Faculty of Geography of the University of Barcelona.
A Global Academic Network
This Congress is envisioned as an expansive, borderless platform for dialogue. According to the foundational documentation in “1Congreso_AguayOxigeno.pdf”, the event is being built on an international academic collaboration featuring the University of Barcelona, the Universidad de la Vall de Colombia, and leading Mexican institutions, including the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, the Autonomous University of Chapingo, and the Autonomous Indigenous University of Mexico.
Building upon this strong foundation, the organizing committee is actively welcoming the participation of further academic and research institutions from France, Germany, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, aiming to create a truly global think-tank dedicated to water security and environmental preservation.
A Legacy of Warning and Hope
The cornerstone of the event is the presentation of the powerful work of the late Colombian master Alberto Vélez Álvarez (1954–2018), known artistically as “P. Jaraba.” His paintings serve as a raw, visual manifesto capturing the fragility of the Amazon and the Pacific jungles. His mantra, “Without water, there are no plants; without plants, there is no oxygen; without oxygen, there is no life,” serves as the heartbeat of this entire initiative.
Why This Congress Matters
By uniting the intellectual weight of the University of Barcelona and our international partners with the advocacy of Terra Nostra, the Congress aims to:
- Elevate the Climate Conversation: Moving beyond abstract data to emotional resonance through art.
- Create Interdisciplinary Solutions: Connecting academics, policy-makers, and industry leaders to forge new paths in environmental protection.
- Inspire Immediate Action: Transforming the witness of the art into measurable commitments for sustainability.
“We are not just viewing art; we are confronting our future,” the organizers state. “By bringing together universities from across Europe and the Americas, we are creating a space where the urgency of the climate crisis meets the power of human ingenuity.”
Join the Movement
Terra Nostra and the Faculty of Geography at the University of Barcelona invite the international community—media, NGOs, institutional partners, and advocates for the Earth—to be part of this vital dialogue. Together, we can ensure that this Congress leaves a lasting, measurable impact on the health of our planet.
Event Details:
- Title: First International Congress and Pictorial Exhibition “Water and Oxygen for the Planet”
- Dates: September 7–9, 2026
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Official Website: congresoyexposicion-internacional-aguayoxigenoparaelplaneta.com
About the Organizers:
Terra Nostra is a platform dedicated to the intersection of education, research, and culture, working tirelessly to defend ecosystems and promote sustainable development. The Faculty of Geography at the University of Barcelona stands as a global reference in territorial analysis, environmental management, and the study of human-environment interactions.
