Meeting on Tuesday, October 20, elected officials of the Permanent Council approved support mechanisms for agricultural sectors, small farms, and drought adaptation. Decisions were also made for renewable energy production, climate change adaptation, and ensuring access to drinking water and housing.
In the agricultural sector, the Communauté Pays Basque will support the plant sector, particularly organic market gardening, by funding a specialized technical advisor position. The territory, with over 100 market gardening farms, still imports 80% of its vegetables. Rainwater harvesting systems, such as Errekagri, which has already assisted 72 farms, were supported. Participation in Lurrama, the 2026 edition themed 'Water, a common resource,' was also confirmed.
Regarding renewable energy, the renewal of the Territorial Renewable Heat Contract with ADEME for 2026-2030 was approved. This contract, which financed 21 installations and supplied power to approximately 3,600 homes between 2023 and 2026, will receive 3.7 million euros from ADEME to develop biomass, geothermal, and solar thermal energy, aiming to increase energy autonomy.
In response to climate change, the Communauté Pays Basque's Climate Plan will receive new funding from the State. Nine projects, including the creation of a climate-biodiversity scientific council and the development of urban adaptation tools by Cerema, were selected for 156,800 euros in support. A diagnosis of urban heat islands will be conducted with Météo-France.
To secure drinking water supply, two major potable water network interconnections are being studied: one between the Nive production plant and the Ondres plant, and another linking Cambo-les-Bains and Hasparren. These operations aim to guarantee access to quality drinking water and strengthen infrastructure resilience against drought episodes.
In housing matters, the local housing policy continues with 'aides à la pierre' for 58 private sector renovation projects, totaling over 100,000 euros. The goal is to improve living comfort, reduce energy consumption, and encourage residents to stay in the area.
Finally, measures to support social and cultural cohesion were validated, including aid for early childhood structures, the Maison des Adolescents Adoenia, immersive Basque language stays, and various associative initiatives contributing to the cultural and linguistic vitality of the Basque Country.
