Lisbon is pleased to welcome you to the ISWA/APESB World Congress 2009 that will take place at the Cultural Centre of Belém, from 12th to 15th October 2009.

This historical city from where the first navigators sailed, in the fifteenth century, for an incredible and formidable adventure searching for unknown worlds will serve as cradle for new concepts and innovative solutions in waste management leading to a more sustainable planet.

The event is organised by the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) and the Portuguese Association of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering (APESB) and will constitute a premier scientific and technical international event in the field of solid waste management.

The theme of the Congress "Turning Waste into Ideas" will be a starting point for exchange knowledge and experiences in order to reach the best waste management solutions for all the sectors of our society, from industry to arts. Besides the classic scientific sessions, the Congress activities will also include an Ibero-american symposium. The Programme Committee is inviting recognized world leaders to anchor each Congress theme, and it seeks additional platform speakers and poster presenters to complement the invited speakers.

We hope that you can join on board for this necessary and global meeting and discover in Lisbon how the waste can be transformed into good ideas. 

Prof. José M. P. Vieira    Chairman    Portuguese Association of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering (APESB)

Welcome to Lisbon, Portugal! Welcome to "Turning Waste Into Ideas!"

You are participating in an annual event that stretches across country and global region boundaries so as to explore common and different waste management practices.  I trust you share my enthusiasm that this event encompasses both personal and business opportunities, as well as being a time to pursue the interesting highlights of a unique historical city.  

I would encourage you to study the programme activities for this event.  The International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), together with the Association of Portugese Sanitary and Environmental Engineering (APESB) have organized this year’s ISWA/APESB World Congress 2009 in Lisbon from 12 to 15 October 2009.  Technical presentations, polished debates, facility tours, and social events at nearly every turn will keep you satisfied, knowing your time has been well spent.  Take in what you can, listen and observe, renew your acquaintances, and enjoy with your friends and colleagues what I guarantee will be four unforgettable days.

This year’s theme: “Turning Waste Into Ideas” says much about what you are about to experience. Portugal is famous for its warm sun and its open friendships to its visitors.  From its role in historic times as a trade center and a base for explorers, Lisbon provides an intriguing venue for all of us to discuss and examine the ideas that will drive the future of waste management in a world with competing needs and challenges.  Importantly, APESB has succeeded by linking the links, and connecting us in a manner where we can leverage this meeting opportunity for the benefit of our respective missions and goals.

It is with these thoughts in mind that I am proud to endorse this milestone event, the 2009 ISWA/APESB World Congress in Lisbon.

Kind Regards,

Dr. Atilio Savino    President    International Solid Waste Association