8th International Symposium “Use of Algae for Monitoring Rivers”

Publicado por Ivan Benito Garcia el 15 junio, 2012

The 8th International Symposium “Use of Algae for Monitoring Rivers” will take place in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid) from 19 -22 June 2012.

Since the pioneering European Symposium in 1991 in Düsseldorf, algae have become relevant organisms in monitoring programs of surface waters status in Europe but also in many countries around the world. The Madrid symposium will give the opportunity to share all the advances in the field since we last met in Luxembourg three years ago. In a friendly setting, we shall be able to discuss which challenges we need to face in order to make a significant progress towards the full implementation of the European Water Framework Directive; the experience of participants from countries other than Europeans will contribute in a decisive way and enrich such discussions.

The symposium will be held in Alcalá de Henares, a historical and lively city located close to Madrid. Alcalá is the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the writer who created Don Quixote de la Mancha. The city is also home of one of Europe’s oldest universities (founded in 1499) and one of the earliest examples of a planned-university town. Both Alcalá and its university were declared in 1998 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The venue of the symposium will be the university’s ancient assembly hall, Colegio de San Ildefonso, host of the most important Spanish literary award ceremony, the Cervantes Prize.