11th ICOLD EUROPEAN CLUB SYMPOSIUM

The Greek Committee on Large Dams (GCOLD) would like to invite you to participate in the 11^th ICOLD European Club Symposium to be held from the 2^nd to 4^th of October 2019 on the island of Crete, Greece. The theme of the Symposium is “The future of Dams (in Europe): Prospects and Challenges in a changing Environment”. The Symposium is under the auspices of ICOLD and has the support, among others, of the Greek Ministry of Infrastructure, the Region of Crete and the Organization for the Development of Crete.

The Greek Committee on Large Dams (GCOLD) was formed in 1964 and immediately joined the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD). It became a member of the European Club of ICOLD in 2010 and is actively participating ever since.

Dam construction in Greece followed the country’s development and large projects were constructed in the last 50 years for hydropower, water supply, irrigation and flood protection. A boom in dam construction occurred in the last 20 years. Many dam types were built to adjust to the complicated geological environment, the availability of construction materials and the high seismicity of the region. Dam design and construction is still strong in Greece.

Recently a National Dam Safety Regulation (DSR) was established together with a Dam Management Authority, responsible for overseeing the application of the DSR.

The Symposium will cover a wide range of topics including Advances in Dam Engineering, Dam Safety and Risk Management, Social impact and awareness, European directives on dams and the water sector and Dam and Reservoir Management in the changing European Environment.

The island of Crete, situated between the Aegean and the Libyan Sea, has been a cross road of ancient civilizations. This has left a rich inheritance of ancient monuments and artifacts of unparalleled beauty. Modern Crete, one of the wealthiest parts of Greece, has built a number of large dams for irrigation, water supply, flood protection and hydro power. Having a substantial infrastructure for conferences and a magnificent natural coastal and mountainous environment, it is an ideal place to combine a successful EuroCOLD Symposium with field trips and recreational activities. Crete in early October is warm enough for enjoying the outdoors and the beaches.

We would like to extend the invitation for participation to the members of EuroCOLD as well as to all ICOLD members. We are expecting you all to come to Crete for a fruitful, memorable and enjoyable 11th ICOLD European Club Symposium.

George Dounias
GCOLD President

www.eurcold2019.com