Jordi Jon Pardo

‘Eroding Franco’ is a visual journalism project that relates Franco's regime's environmental debt (1939-1975) to Spain's current desertification crisis.

Desertification, the transformation of fertile territories into barren landscapes, is a critical global challenge intensified by unsustainable practices such as poor water management or harmful agricultural methods. While this environmental challenge spans continents, its imprint is deeply felt in Spain.

The legacy of Francoism goes beyond social and political repression. The regime's decisions, over 36 years, fostered a culture of destruction and neglect for the land, prioritizing economic growth.

 

The regime cemented mass tourism, agro-industry, and construction as Spain's 'economic pillars,' setting the stage for the country's future. These ‘economic pillars,’ comprising around 30% of Spain's economy today, were heavily promoted in the 1960s and 70s, an era referred to as the "Spanish economic miracle" (1959-1974) that established Spain's transformation into a 'desertification empire.'

 

According to scientific reports from the Spanish Ministry of Environment, Spain is on a trajectory where, by the end of the 21st century, 80% of its territory may face critical desertification. Yet, this phenomenon is not merely an environmental crisis; it is a transformative force that destabilizes rural economies, displaces communities, and fractures the cultural and historical ties that have long defined Spain’s relationship with its land. It reveals the interconnectedness of ecological degradation, economic marginalization, and the erosion of collective social memory.

 

During Franco's era, some scientists studied Spain's environmental trajectory and potential consequences. However, the regime, possibly without fully understanding these implications, prioritized other aspects of development and economic growth. This lack of awareness set Spain on a path that would pose significant environmental challenges for future generations.

The synergy between historical information and contemporary photography is at the heart of ‘Eroding Franco.’ It delves into the key factors of Spain's desertification—mass tourism, construction, and agroindustry—and intertwines archival research with documentary photography, offering a distinct perspective of how past decisions shape present realities.

Alongside the historical legacies, Spain's desertification crisis is exacerbated by contemporary climatic factors such as torrential rains and wildfires. These events are often caused and worsened by human actions in the context of climate change, stripping away fertile land and leaving behind poverty, especially in rural areas. As fields turn barren, farmers struggle, highlighting a direct link between environmental damage and economic hardship. This aspect of the story shows the ongoing effects of past decisions on today’s communities, adding a crucial layer to our understanding of Spain's environmental and social landscape.

‘Eroding Franco’ incorporates scientific insights to present a deeper understanding of the human-environment narrative, emphasizing the importance of learning from our past to tackle today’s pressing environmental challenges.

This project is made possible with support from the National Geographic Society, The Royal Photographic Society, and Photographic Social Vision.