GWEO Participates in the Second Session of “Dialogues for a Renewable Galicia: Shaping Social Participation in the Region”

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The second session of the series “Dialogues for a Renewable Galicia: Shaping Social Participation in the Region” brought together experts, organizations, and representatives of civil society to further explore how to reconcile renewable energy projects with respect for the region and the people who live there.

The event was organized by REDS-SDSN Spain, the Eudemon Project, and INSTA – Environmental Legal Services, in collaboration with the Galician Wind Energy Observatory, the Juana de Vega Foundation, the Renovables Foundation, and the Centro Interuniversitario de Investigación en Paisaxes Atlánticas Culturais (CISPAC).

During the session, representatives from companies, government agencies, and social stakeholders discussed the content of the best practices manual for renewable energy projects, which is intended as a complementary tool to reinforce existing regulations.

The presentations focused on emphasizing the importance of listening before deciding and ensuring genuine opportunities for participation from the initial phases of projects. It was also highlighted that transparency must serve as a cross-cutting principle, fostering fluid dialogue between companies, government agencies, and local communities.

Another recurring theme was the need for projects to generate benefits and value for the local community, whether through job creation, access to affordable housing, or the strengthening of local social and economic networks. Likewise, the challenge of coordinating the different administrative levels (municipalities, counties, etc.) was addressed, and the role that professional mediators can play in reducing tensions and preventing polarization was recognized, especially in rural areas.

The Galician Wind Energy Observatory participated in the dialogue between the parties, confirming that the energy transition must be both green and fair, both in terms of procedures and in the distribution of costs and benefits.