# Spanish irrigation pond safety regulation debate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-irrigation-pond-safety-regulation-debate > Updated: 2026-09-29T12:20:25.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2. Conservation organizations GREFA and WWF Spain are urging the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge to reactivate a pending royal decree concerning safety standards for irrigation ponds and reservoirs. The demand for regulation follows the deaths of an Iberian lynx and her two cubs in Albacete, who drowned in a reservoir. Activists describe these infrastructures as “deadly traps” for humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Estimates suggest nearly one million animals may die annually in these ponds due to drowning, dehydration, or exhaustion. Beyond wildlife concerns, the lack of safety measures poses a risk to humans; since 2010, 31 people have died by drowning in these ponds. The organizations are calling for mandatory safety features, such as perimeter protections and escape ramps, to be included in the decree for all reservoirs regardless of their size or use. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-29: MITECO allocates 40 million euros to 189 projects fighting depopulation in Spain Spain's MITECO has approved 40 million euros for 189 projects to combat depopulation and drive territorial transformation through housing, bioeconomy, and cultural initiatives across various regions. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/environmental-groups-urge-safety-rules-for-reservoirs-after-lynx-deaths ### 2026-09-29: Spain irrigation pond safety: Conservationists demand urgent new regulations Conservationists GREFA and WWF Spain are urging the Spanish government to approve safety regulations for irrigation ponds to prevent the annual deaths of nearly one million animals and numerous human fatalities 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spain-irrigation-pond-safety-conservationists-demand-urgent-new-regulations --- Cite as: Spanish irrigation pond safety regulation debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-irrigation-pond-safety-regulation-debate