The Collective Memory of the Fluvial Environment: The Loss of a Healthy Natural Environment in the City of Toledo (Spain) through Pollution

Abstract

This research recovers the collective memory of elderly people who recall experiences lived alongside the Tagus River in the city of Toledo (Spain). The study develops an individual and collective narrative story to add to our understanding of the relationship between society and its environment during the years 1950–1970. A qualitative methodology is used through documentary analysis techniques and in-depth interviews. The results obtained from the testimonies reflect the influence that the Tagus River had as a natural heritage on the socialization and emotions of Toledo society. The sociological study carried out is unique, since it is the first in which, through collective memory, a contrast is made between the enjoyment of a natural fluvial environment in good condition compared to its current state of an ecosystem in deterioration.

Keywords:

• Collective memory
• environment
• pollution
• Tagus River
• Tajo-Segura transfer
• Toledo

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank M. Hodkinson for translating the paper into English and Fundación Soliss for supporting this piece of research through the project ‘Cátedra del Tajo UCLM-Soliss’.

Disclosure Statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Fundacion Soliss.