Upcoming events

Special Symposium in Commemoration of the G8: "Environment Ministers Meeting in Kobe: Climate Change and Water"

2008-04-17T00:00:00Z

Focusing on climate change and water, this symposium will introduce the latest report from the IPCC and discuss the current global environmental problems as well as what efforts should be made to tackle these issues. The outcome of the discussion will be delivered to the G8 Environment Ministers Meeting.

CAPACITY: 600 seats (First-come, first-served basis)
ADMISSION: Free
DEADLINE: Wednesday, 14 May 2008.

The First International Irrigation Congress: "Management, Technology and Best Practice in Irrigation"

2008-04-14T00:00:00Z

EXPO ZARAGOZA 2008, The Ministry of Environment of Spain, The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, FENACORE (the National Federation of Spanish Irrigators Communities) and AFRE (the Spanish Irrigation Manufacturers Association) are organising the I International Irrigation Congress: "Management, Technology and Best Practice in Irrigation" which will be held on 18, 19 and 20 June 2008 in EXPO ZARAGOZA 2008 during the Thematic Week Water and Land: Territorial Management and Farming.

The Congress will bring together the most relevant experts, companies, technicians and other professionals of irrigation from all over the world to analyze and debate on the situation and prospects of irrigation worldwide, and to disseminate the best initiatives, management models, technologies and best practices in irrigation. In addition, the Congress will permit the constitution of the Ibero-American Association of Water and Irrigation Technologies, and the celebration of the General Assemblies of the Euro-Mediterranean Irrigators Community and of the Spanish Water and Irrigation Technology Platform.

Goals:

• Current situation review and irrigation perspectives in the world in a climate change scenario
• Spreading initiatives, projects and good practices related to the world’s irrigation planning and management
• Presentation of satisfactory management models as well as agents and users professionalization
• Emphasizing the importance of new irrigation technologies to achieve sustainable irrigation taking specially into account:
• Efficiency in using energy and irrigation water

• Water productivity
• Use of new water sources
• Environmental precautions and protection

• Adequate technology use for the different agricultural ecosystems within the world

Registration deadline is: 2 May at a reduced rate.

On-site registration is available at www.irrigationcongress.org . Alternatively you can return by post or fax the attached Congress Registration Form to the Congress Secretariat.

First International Conference "Drought Management: Scientific and technological innovations"

2008-04-02T00:00:00Z

The objective of this Conference is to introduce the new scientific and technological concepts and tools to
be used in drought management plans in the context of agriculture, urban supply, and water management, highlighting the successful experiences based on preparedness and risk-based management as a critical approach to mitigate the impacts associated with drought in societies with different vulnerabilities. Scientific and technological innovations in the fields of climatology, hydrology, drought and drought impact assessment, drought risk and vulnerability analysis and decision support tools for drought management will be presented.

Expo Zaragoza 2008 is an International Exposition regulated by the B.I.E. (Bureau of International
Exhibitions). The central topic of Expo Zaragoza 2008 is Water and Sustainable Development. Expo
Zaragoza 2008 will convey the value of scientific and technical innovation, new uses and renewed formulas of management and social concertation leading to the sustainability of water resources. This Conference on Drought Management is organised within the framework of one of the four main thematic objectives of Expo Zaragoza 2008 “Water, a unique resource“.

The Conference basically will combine two days or scientific and technical exchanges on drought and drought management programmes and tools and one ay will be devoted to a visit to Expo Zaragoza 2008 including an open organised discussion with visitors o the Expo. The scientific and technical exchanges will be structured in three sessions, with keynote guest peakers and also be open to free contributions. he conference will be held at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza on 12 and 13 June 2008 and on the Expo Zaragoza 2008 site on 14 June. (The Expo Zaragoza 2008 site is situated in the "Meandro de Ranillas" at the NW of the city of Zaragoza)

MEDROPLAN is a project funded by the Euro-Mediterranean Regional Programme for Local Water
Management (MEDA Water), coordinated by the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza – CIHEAM and with the participation of scientists and stakeholders from Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Spain and Tunisia that have developed Drought Management Guidelines for Mediterranean countries. These guidelines provide an effective and systematic approach to develop drought management plans linking science and policy and that can be applied to other regions.

NEMEDCA is a Network on drought management whose main objective is the international cooperation on
drought management plans in the Near East, Mediterranean and Central Asia. NEMEDCA is supported by
the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean
Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM).

Confronting the Water Crisis in the Mediterranean Basin: What role for the European Union?

2008-03-28T00:00:00Z

Although water is a major issue for development of the entire Mediterranean region, it is often given a backseat in the EMP. Discussions on water management tend to focus on technical rather than on social and political aspects. France will assume the European presidency in the second half of 2008 and has already announced that reinforcing the Euro-Mediterranean cooperation will be one of its main priorities. In October 2008, a conference with the European and Mediterranean ministers in charge of water policies will be organized under French presidency. In this context, it is necessary to heighten public and political attention to water related problems and ask what Europe and specifically France can do to help solving the fresh water crisis in the Mediterranean basin.

With the support of Iddri (Institute for international relations and sustainable development) and the Center for Sustainable Development at Sciences Po, this conference aims to attract the French public’s attention to the problems related to fresh water in the Mediterranean basin.

Considering the possible consequences for the EU’s Mediterranean policy, especially under French presidency starting on July 1, 2008, this conference will offer a place to develop and discuss ideas that can assist policy advisers and policy-makers from both the European Union and Mediterranean countries. It will bring together speakers with a wide range of perspectives, from multiple countries in the Mediterranean region and from diverse backgrounds – business, public administration, NGO and academia.

EUROMED 2008: Desalination Cooperation among Mediterranean Countries of Europe and the MENA Region

2008-03-26T00:00:00Z

This is the fifth conference in the EuroMed series and the eighth in the Mediterranean region which provides an excellent forum for professionals, scientists and technologists in all aspects of water desalination, to meet and to exchange their ideas and experiences, and to update their knowledge of latest developments in the various aspects of water desalination. The theme “Desalination Cooperation among Mediterranean Countries of Europe and the MENA Region” was chosen to offer the chance to discuss key elements underlying the policies and strategies governing the optimum use of the various desalination technologies in the region to provide water, an essential ingredient for peace in the region.

Around the Mediterranean there is a growing awareness of increasing demand for water while the natural supply is increasingly limited. The situation of the southern countries is dramatically more serious with rapidly increasing populations and much lower rainfall. Different techniques can be used to supplement natural water. Desalination technologies can make potable the brackish and sea water which are available in these regions.

Cooperation between countries of Europe and the southern rim of the Mediterranean, Middle East and the Gulf countries is essential. In this conference, attention will be focused on the possibility of producing water by desalination for the region in a sustainable manner and at a cost that people can afford. The conference will overview the most recent developments in desalination technology, its cost and extent of application including socio-economic and environmental issues. Concern about the environmental impact of desalination has grown and an increasing number of studies is being made.

Topics will include:
– Water demand in countries of the MENA region
– Desalination and the environment
– State of the art of desalination and water purification processes
– Seawater thermal and membrane processes
– Brackish water desalination
– Wastewater treatment
– Desalination and water resource management
– Energy recovery technology
– Pre-treatment and post-treatment
– Post-treatment of desalinated water
– Brine disposal and removal of specific compounds
– Fouling and scaling and material selection
– Financing – public and private

DEADLINES:
Abstracts : April 20, 2008.
Notification of acceptance: May 20, 2008
Papers: July 20, 2008

Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Conference on water, Amman October 29, 2008

2008-03-19T00:00:00Z

Following the proposal of the last conference of the water directors of the Euro-Mediterranean and Southeastern European countries, Bled (Slovenia), in December 2007, the Ministerial Conference organised under the French Presidency of the European Union and the Euro Mediterranean Partnership aims to prepare a long-term strategy on water in the region.

In order to involve all stakeholders, a day dedicated to civil society will be held on the eve of the ministerial conference.

International Conference on “water resources management under extreme conditions”: « ECWATECH-2008 » and « INBO - Session » : “Floods, droughts and extreme phenomenon prevention, new tools introduced by the European Water framework Directive.”

2008-03-10T00:00:00Z

Nowadays ECWATECH is the biggest water forum in Eastern Europe, which includes the whole spectrum of equipment and services for water resources conservation and protection, municipal and industrial water supply, sewage treatment, bottling, etc. ECWATECH is a comprehensive event, which primary constituents are exhibition and alongside congress, enabling to combine effectively advanced technologies show and discussion of issues that involves key leaders of the sector.

On next June the 5th in the afternoon, from 14:30 to 17:30, a special half day “INBO session” on the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive and its “daughter” Directives, during the International Conference on “water resources management under extreme conditions”, which will be held: 4 - 5 June 2008 Within next « ECWATECH-2008 » in Moscow, Russia.

“ECWATECH-2008” on the website www.ecwatech.com and on the International conference “water resources management under extreme conditions»on the website waterextreme.sibico.com.

The participation in the session organized by INBO will be free. The organizers also invite you to take part in the International Conference “Water resource systems management under extreme conditions” and visit the exhibition ECWATECH-2008. The information about the conference (the conference programme, terms of participation) is available at the conference home page:

A special « EUROPE - INBO » session will be organized around the main current topics on the Framework Directive implementation in 2008 in the European Union river basin districts, the cooperation with Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia on basin management topics and on the processes, tools and techniques for water resources management used to prevent floods and droughts.

You are invited to present a paper on your experience: the title and summary should reach us before next 31 March and the complete text on 1st of May at the latest, at the address: inbo@wanadoo.fr .

INBO objective is to allow the European Basin Organizations and the companies and consulting firms which work with them, in the Member and candidate countries of the European Union and all the other countries of the Balkans, Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia, in particular, to informally meet their colleagues to exchange their practical field experiences and techniques.

The meeting will be organized around the broad main and current working topic:
“Floods, droughts and extreme phenomenon prevention, new tools introduced by the European Water framework Directive.”

In liaison with the European Water Partnership (EWP), INBO session will be a step on the process of preparation of the report for Europe for the next World water Forum of Istanbul 2009 and will contribute to share ideas between EU and EECCA countries on topic 3.1 “basin management and transboundary cooperation” proposed for the WWF5.

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« INBO - Session » ECWATECH-2008
"Water resources management under extreme conditions" conference

2nd call Participation - Registration form - Conference leaflet

The Euro-Mediterranean youth forum on Water and Cultures in Dialogue

2008-02-11T00:00:00Z

The forum to be held in Turin (Italy) in 20-25 May 2008, aims to raise awareness among youth of the importance of water and to encourage exchanges, mutual understanding and knowledge between young people.

The forum is addressed to students, professionals and civil society activists.

Call for Candidatures

In the Framework of the Year 2008 of Inter‐Cultural Dialogue and as part of the ʺWater our
Common Futureʺ initiative, the Anna Lindh Euro‐Mediterranean Foundation for the Dialogue
between cultures (ALF) in collaboration with Piedmont Regional Government and Paralleli
Euro‐Mediterranean Institute are organizing a Euro‐Mediterranean Youth Forum in Turin,
Italy, from Tuesday the 20th to Sunday the 25th of May 2008. This project is part of the ALF
ʺ1001 Actions for Dialogueʺ Campaign (www.1001actions.org).

Aims:

• Raise awareness among youth on the place and importance of water as a common good, a limited resource, essential for life and for the future of the human settlements and central element in the cultural heritage of the Euro‐Med Region, in order to encourage its preservation and to assure its quality and accessibility;
• Encourage exchanges, mutual understanding and knowledge between young people from the Euro‐Mediterranean Region.

Specific Objectives:

• Creation of an online forum on the official website (www.torinoyouthforum.org) to facilitate the exchange of information and experiences between young students/professionals of the different countries of the Euro‐Mediterranean Region.
• Creation of a user‐friendly resource/mapping website on the place and importance of water as a common good, a limited resource and a central element in the cultural heritage of the Euro‐Mediterranean Region, that will be launched during a Press conference organized at the beginning of the Forum.
• Production of specific inter‐cultural outputs for the City of Turin, in cooperation with the local civil society and other partners.

The deadline for receiving the Applications will be March 1, 2008 at midnight (GTM).

Call for Experts

Applications should be sent to the organizers on humanresources@torinoyouthforum.org no later than 15 February 2008.

The selected Experts will be proposed a remuneration in the range of 1000 Euros.

2nd Annual Middle East Waste & Water Congress: "Moving forward with the advances in waste and water technologies for a more secured future and environment" - Conference & Exhibition

2008-01-21T00:00:00Z

"The 2nd Annual Middle East Waste and Water Congress" will serve as a platform between various organisations in the wide spectrum of Environmental resource management to achieve new standards of sustainability. This will be achieved through an exciting conference with coveted specialists and practitioners and a highly structured exhibition by a selection of the major players in the waste and water service provider industry. It also serves as an ideal platform for professionals from the waste and water industry to meet, network and exchange ideas for the improvement of these 2 major sectors in the Middle East.

10% discount especially for EMWIS subscribers and members when they register for this congress with Ms Cindy. For more information on how to register and exhibit, please contact Ms Cindy at CindyC@marcusevanskl.com or call + 00 603 2723 6745. For Speaking opportunities, please contact : Ms Sangeetha Silvaratnam at sangeethas@marcusevanskl.com

Conference Agenda & Focus :

Day 1
Stream 1 : Water Conservation & Desalination (Water Track)
Stream 2 : Advances in Wastewater Treatment (Wastewater Track)
Stream 3 : Municipal Solid Waste Management (Waste Track)

Day 2
Stream 4 : Water Management & Wastewater Reuse ( Water & Wastewater Track)
Stream 5 : Integrated Waste Management ( Waste Track)
Stream 6 : Advances in Desalination Engineering ( Water Track)
Stream 7 : Sustainable Sludge Management ( Waste & Wastewater Track)

Mediterranean Union Summit, 13 July 2008, Paris (France)

2008-01-17T00:00:00Z

SIEE Pollutec 2008: International Exhibition of Equipment and services for Water

2008-01-16T00:00:00Z

After the success of 2005 to 2007 editions, Reed Exhibitions France and Mediaedge, in partnership with the Algerian Ministry of Water Resources organise the 4th edition of SIEE Pollutec, "rendez-vous" for water professionals in Algeria. It will be held in Algiers from 19 to 22 May 2008. Pollutec 2008 SIEE gathers for the 4th consecutive year all the Algerian decision makers in the water sector - agencies and state enterprises - around the Algerian Ministry of Water Resources, the partner of the event, and major international operators and equipment suppliers and service providers in the areas of water treatment and wastewater treatment, water supply, the treatment of industrial pollution, analysis, measurement, control and the irrigation.

Products and Services: Water and Waste water treatment, Water re-use and saving, Transport and logistics, Storage, Water Distribution, Sites and Soils, Analysis- Measurement-Monitoring, Services – Project Engineeging, Studies and Consultancy - Training

Visitors Profile: All the Algerian stakeholders involved in the water sector Administrations (Ministries, Agencies) (20%), Public sector (enterprises including industries) (22%), Private sector (enterprises including industries) (38%), Services (14,2%), Education-Training (1,2%), Research (2,8%), et professionals involved in the water challenges facing Algeria and the Mediterranean Basin, as well as sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Africa.

Parallel programme: An intercontinental symposium devoted to key priorities: Non-conventional water resources (Desalination of sea water / Re-use of water), Industrial pollution, etc.

500 conference participants

Key figures:

Exhibitors: 300 exhibiting companies from 20 countries including 3 national pavilions already announced (Algeria, France and Spain)
Visitors: 4 000 trade visitors (+ 12% from 2006 to 2007)
Space (m²): 8 000 sq.m of exhibition space (+ 30% from 2006 to 2007)

3rd International Conference on Managing Shared Aquifer Resources in Africa

2007-12-02T00:00:00Z

Mr Omar Salem of the General Water Authority of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and Mr Youba Sokona of the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS), co-chair, along with the UNESCO International Hydrological Programme (IHP), invite you to the 3rd International Conference on Managing Shared aquifer Resources in Africa that will be held in Tripoli, Libya, 25-27 May 2008.

The purpose of this conference is to take the ISARM initiative in Africa one stage further. The preliminary inventory of the shared aquifer resources, setting out the scientific basis for subsequent actions through case studies that came about as a result of the 2nd Tripoli Conference will be further extended. The conference will also consider the formulation of inputs and recommendations for the Regional Centre under the auspices of UNESCO currently being established in Libya in order to develop a plan of action supporting both the current as well as the new African Expert Groups. Finally, the scope of the Conference will also include the establishment of a Plan of Action for Shared Aquifer systems resources management in Africa as a whole, taking into consideration the requirements of the region. This will provide support to both the African Union and the African Ministerial Council on Water.

OSS, supported by UNESCO, will take care of the secretariat of the Conference.

Schedule:

10th December 2007 Call for papers
31st March 2008 Deadline for submission of papers
25th April 2008 Programme and second announcement
December 2008 Publication of the proceedings
March 2009 Participation at the 5th WWF

Conference topics:

Update of the inventory of African transboundary aquifers: situation in the different sub-regions
Progress made on the new projects: SASS, SAI, Gulf of Guinea, West Africa, Nubian Sandstone Aquifer, etc.
Transboundary aquifer and climate change
Integrated Water Resources Management applied to transboundary aquifers (monitoring, modelling, remote sensing)
Financial instruments (bilateral and multilateral)
Institutional and legal aspects
Governance
Policy guidance for sound and sustainable development of shared aquifers.

The conference will serve as a preparatory event for the activities to be organised in Africa for the World Water Day on 22 March 2009, the theme of which will be “Transboundary Waters”.

Note: A Preparatory meeting for the 3rd International Conference on Managing Shared aquifer Resources in Africa, is scheduled at UNESCO HQs, Paris, 18-19 February 2008.