Interview with Roque Gistau, president of Expo Zaragoza 2008
Is Expo 2008 meeting your expectations?
Expo Zaragoza 2008 is a project with clear objectives that we intend to achieve. On the one hand, there are thematic objectives related to water; and on the other, those related to the city's progress and involvement.
Among the universal objectives related to strategy and water is "Informing," through the pavilions of the various countries, 100 of which have been confirmed so far. Specifically, there is the Spanish pavilion, which will be a vibrant and open space, even including a forest; the pavilions of all the Autonomous Communities, along with Ceuta and Melilla; the nine thematic pavilions; the pavilions of supranational organizations; and the business pavilions, for a total of 140 pavilions. We intend for these spaces to provide information on water issues—climate change, legislation, technology, sociological perspectives, etc. Another of our objectives is "Educating," transmitting knowledge, from and for experts, through the "Water Forum," a new feature at Expo Zaragoza 2008, around which various events, promoted by different organizations and by ourselves, are based. With this, we aim to create debates, discussion forums, seminars, and so on, so that a document can emerge from these discussions, a distillation of the core issues, a synthesis of the global water crisis and the possible solutions envisioned for the future. Finally, among the general objectives is "Entertainment." Expo 2008 is designed for maximum enjoyment. To this end, more than 3.000 shows are scheduled, among other activities.
In terms of local objectives, we expect Expo 2008 to be a catalyst for both Zaragoza and its surrounding area. To this end, we have coordinated a plan that includes various ring roads for the city, the new airport, the Ebro riverfront development, and more, representing an investment of over €250 million, in addition to the Expo Zaragoza urban area. With all these initiatives, we aim to reposition Zaragoza both in Spain and internationally. In response to the question, so far, our expectations are being exceeded.
Why the theme 'Water and Sustainable Development'?
Several factors have come together to make this decision. I don't know if the public is aware that Aragon is subject to diverse climates. On the one hand, there's the influence of the Pyrenees' rainfall, and on the other, the desert climate of the Monegros desert. In these harsh, dry lands, ingenuity has become essential for the people who live off the land, enabling them to save their crops. Furthermore, Zaragoza, as the head of the Ebro River Basin, has historically been closely linked to water. Moreover, the topic of "Water and Sustainable Development" is currently very relevant, and we must also consider statistics such as the fact that approximately one billion people worldwide lack access to sanitation. All of this has made this a topic of current concern and a fitting choice for this event.
What does it mean that Expo 2008 is an international exposition and not a universal one?
Fundamentally, it has to do with the size, which is determined by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) -25 hectares-, the duration -3 months- and the theme, a necessary common thread, in this case "Water and Sustainable Development".
What role does the Bureau International des Expositions play?
In general terms, they are responsible for ensuring that everything goes well, that is, guaranteeing that the established objectives are met, inspecting the works, etc.
What captivated the jury about Zaragoza, causing it to beat Thessaloniki and Trieste?
The unanimous support of the Administration and the political parties, as well as the social body.
What is Expo 2008 doing to promote itself internationally?
Statistics from previous exhibitions show that foreign participation is not the most significant—it accounts for around 10%—and we know that traveling the world is not cheap. However, when it comes to promoting Expo 2008, we have three key tools at our disposal: Turespaña, the trade fair where we are also present; government resources, including the commercial offices of embassies that promote and communicate; and finally, the "Water Forum," participating in various global events related to the central theme of this exhibition (Paris, the United States, South America, etc.).
What is your role as president of Expo 2008?
The job of the president of Expo Zaragoza is uncertain, full of constant changes; there are no pre-established rules, and often the schedule can't be followed. Some days are truly stressful. Fortunately, I don't work alone; Expo Zaragoza involves 300 people, in addition to three general managers and several directors in the president's staff.
What does the "Participation and Volunteering Plan" consist of?
The "Participation and Volunteering Plan," which began when the candidacy was launched, is made up of people with a genuine desire to help. Given their diversity, the challenge lies in understanding the skills and attitudes of each individual. Keep in mind that over 30.000 volunteers have registered. Around 15.000 will be employed now. Furthermore, not everyone is available all day; some only dedicate a few hours. We need to train, coordinate, and organize them because these volunteers don't receive a single euro in payment, which makes their efforts even more remarkable. They come from all over the world (primarily Zaragoza and the rest of Spain, but also France, China, and other countries) and are of varying ages. In fact, we have a wonderful 102-year-old volunteer who is as dedicated as anyone.
What is the current balance of pass sales?
For now, we're very happy. We've already allocated around 700.000 physical passes, although what's important in these kinds of events is the number of visits. If we assume each pass will be used an average of ten times, based on our projections, we've already reached 30% of that figure.
Can you tell us anything about the opening?
The opening show, entitled "Iceberg. Poetic Visual Symphony," will be groundbreaking. It has been commissioned to a Spanish artist, Calixto Bieito—selected through a public competition—who is known for creating rather transgressive stage designs. The show will be a cocktail of icebergs, humanity, and the Ebro River, establishing a dialogue about climate change. I'm confident it will be a pleasant surprise.
Is there life after Expo 2008?
Currently, we have one eye on the Expo and the other on the post-Expo period. We're thinking about the future (usefulness, management, etc.) of elements like the Water Tower, the Aquarium, the Bridge… We're looking for entities that, once the Expo is over, will manage these spaces, such as Ibercaja with the Bridge or Acutrans with the Aquarium, which will likely be transformed into a museum. The rest of the site will become private and public offices, and a leisure area with a riverfront, restaurants, bars, etc. – 160.000 square meters.
What does Expo Zaragoza 2008 mean to Roque Gistau?
Expo Zaragoza 2008 is both a challenge and a goal for me. It's the most important thing I've done so far in my life. It will be a celebration for Zaragoza, which will become a capital of modernity. I'm thrilled to think that the land where I was born will be known worldwide and will serve as a benchmark for the future, especially in relation to water.
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