Event presentation
AquaConSoil is a biennial event where scientists, policymakers, decision-makers and industry representatives converge to learn, share insights, and engage on the sustainable use and management of soil, sediment, and water resources.
Since its inception in 1985, AquaConSoil advanced from established itself as a premier platform for knowledge dissemination and collaboration.
In 2025, AquaConSoil will celebrate its 40th anniversary in Liège, at the Palais des Congrès, from June 16 to 20.
Mission
Their mission is to promote sustainable solutions for the utilization and management of soil and water resources, by facilitating knowledge dissemination and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. They are dedicated to addressing complex environmental challenges through a holistic approach that integrates scientific research, policy development, and technological advancements.
Values
They deeply value and strive towards a diverse and inclusive environment, recognizing that a broad range of voices and experiences enrich our understanding and foster innovative solutions. For more information, their diversity and inclusion guidelines can be found on this link.
Community
AquaConSoil brings together a vibrant community of established scientists, thought leaders, policymakers, and emerging young professionals. With each biennial gathering, they expand their network and welcome new perspectives to tackle the evolving issues in environmental sustainability.
Program
The complete session schedule features 240 scientific presentations organized by theme. Each conference day begins with thematic keynotes delivered by distinguished researchers addressing the core conference themes:
- Theme 1: Soil-Sediment-Water (SSW) Systems Management
- Topic 2.1: Innovative Remediation Technologies for PMT/ vPvM substances
- Topic 2.2: Advancements in Risk Assessment
- Topic 2.3: Contaminated Site Management Strategies
- Theme 3: Enhanced Digitalisation
- Theme 4: Integrating Multidimensional Perspectives
However, we can pinpoint one in-situ session, a first in the history of the congress. Organized by the University of Liège at the Sciences Park, it will enable companies to showcase innovative technologies for monitoring and managing pollutants. In concrete terms, participants will meet companies, people and technologies in action.
Other trips are also planned.
Firstly, three professional site visits. The first is the rehabilitation of two industrial wastelands: the Île aux Corsaires nature reserve and the Blégny mine site, a Unescocultural heritage site. And the Ampsin-Neuville lock renaturation project, which includes a river bypassing the lock in line with nature-based solutions and integrated approaches.
More precisely, Ile aux Corsaires is a former industrial site belonging to UmiCore, named after the children who used to play pirates there. Today, the site abounds in highly specific flora, adapted to soils enriched with heavy metals. As for Blegny-Mine, it is one of only four authentic coal mines in Europe, with underground galleries accessible to visitors via the original shaft.
Then, social activities... Four tours of Liège (historic center, Outremeuse, Boverie and Curtius) organized by the Art&Fact association, affiliated with the University of Liège. And to top it all off, AquaConSoil will be celebrating its fortieth anniversary with a gala dinner in the magnificent foyer of the Opéra Royal de Wallonie (photo).
There will also be a workshop entitled Wallonia meets AquaConSoil, which will combine visits to pilot phytomanagement sites (IASIS Project) and the site rehabilitated by DEME-Group, with presentations on the following topics: the industrial history of Wallonia, how the Walloon Region has organized the activation of the reconversion of large strategic brownfield sites, the redevelopment Masterplan for the city of Seraing, and DEME-Group's strategy for brownfield redevelopment projects.
