Rotorua, New Zealand: 18 - 23 September 2011

Invitation

The IWA Specialist Group on Diffuse Pollution has organized 14 successful and well-attended international conferences. The frequency of specialised conferences and the large number of conference participants reflects the recognition from members and host countries of the importance of Diffuse Pollution issues. Recent conferences have been held in Instanbul, Turkey (2006); Belo Horizonte, Brazil (2007); Khon Kaen ,Thailand (2008); Seoul, South Korea (2009), and Quebec, Canada (2010). The 15th International Conference will be held in Rotorua, New Zealand from the 19-23 September, 2011 and is the first time it has been held in Australasia.

Diffuse pollution is by the most important source of pollution in New Zealand; and because pastoral agriculture is the dominant landuse, managing eutrophication is a significant problem. Holding the 15th International Conference on Diffuse Pollution and Eutrophication in Rotorua is particularly apt, because it is the heart of a  lake district that is a focus for managing the effects of nutrient runoff . During field trips, delegates will be able to see and discuss the effectiveness of engineering solutions such as constructed wetlands, and flow diversion barriers, through to policy and economic measures such as source management and nutrient capping/trading.

We are delighted that our sister IWA Specialist Group, the Health Related Water Microbiology (HRWM) have chosen to hold their biannual international conference at the same time and venue as our conference (add HRWM link). This will result in some very positive synergies including a day in which the two conferences come together to tackle the vexing question of “Diffuse Microbial Pollution”.

Rotorua is also a centre for the celebration and promotion of Maori (New Zealand’s indigenous people) culture. Indignenous peoples internationally are having to grapple with problems associated with diffuse pollution and at this conference we will have a special session devoted to indigenous perspectives on, and solutions to diffuse pollution.

Understanding and managing diffuse pollution requires scientists, engineers, economists, lawyers, policy specialists and stakeholders working together to identify new approaches and solutions that protect natural resources. This conference aims to build international cooperation,  share and transfer knowledge and technology among established and young specialists from developed and developing countries interested in diffuse pollution. On behalf of the organizing committee, we warmly invite interested researchers/experts to register for the conference. We promise you a varied and enriching technical programme, a stimulating and enjoyable social programme, and a warm New Zealand welcome.

Kia ora

Jim Cooke, Chair 15th International DIPCON Conference Diffuse Sources Ltd Hamilton, New Zealand

Rob Davies-Colley, Co-chair 15th DIPCON International Conference National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) Hamilton, New Zealand

Newsletters

Newsletter updates on what to expect at DIPCON2011

> Issue 1, December 2010

> Issue 2, February 2011

> Issue 3, May 2011

> Issue 4 - Final, August 2011