The Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water was the Platinum Sponsor for the European Desalination Society's Conference and Exhibition on Desalination for The Environment.
The conference took place at the Kongresshaus in the picturesque resort town of Baden-Baden, Germany from 17–20 May 2009. Baden-Baden is located on the western foothills of the Black Forest, on the banks of the Oos River, in the region of Karlsruhe. The German word 'Baden' translates as 'to bath/bathe', and the springs of Baden-Baden were well known to the Romans.
PSIPW General Secretary Dr. Abdulmalek A. Al Alsheikh represented the Prize, and gave an address during the opening ceremonies, where he inviting attendees to nominate their best works to the Prize for consideration.
Also as part of the opening ceremonies, the PSIPW film entitled "Recognizing Innovation in Water-Related Fields" was shown for the first time.
The latest in the European Desalination Society's respected international conference series, this conference addressed the most recent developments in desalination technology, its cost and extent of application, including socio-economic and environmental issues.
In attendance were research scientists, decision makers, managers, design engineers and operators from water companies, industries, government departments, consulting firms, research institutes and universities. The place of industry, research and government decision making in this booming market was addressed.
During the Gala Dinner held on the evening of 19 May, Lute Broens, President of the European Desalination Society, extended his deepest thank to PSIPW for its support of the society's efforts.
The European Desalination Society (EDS) is a Europe-wide organization for individual and corporate members, including universities, companies, research institutes, government agencies and all concerned with and interested in desalination and membrane technologies for water.
EDS unites Europeans interested in promoting desalination, water reuse and water technology. All processes, roles and activities involved in the desalination field are included: research, applications, consulting, contracting, operation and maintenance, manufacturing, marketing, economics, legislation.
Members are welcome from other regions outside of Europe.
The objectives of EDS are as follows:
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To Promote awareness of the true value of water and its augmentation by desalination.
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To encourage research, development, and appropriate use of desalination, desalination technology and water reuse.
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To exchange, promote, communicate and disseminate information.
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To encourage and promote environmentally responsible and efficient use of desalination technology.
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To cooperate and communicate with national and international, government and private agencies in the promotion of the technologies and of European interests.
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To promote European business development in desalination and related technologies.
Saudi Arabia, in particular, has a keen interest in desalination, since it it is responsible for the production of over 30 % of the world's desalinated water.