Welcome Message

On behalf of the Hydraulic Structures Committee of the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR), and the Portuguese Water Resources Association (APRH), we are delighted to invite you to the 4th IAHR International Symposium on Hydraulic Structures, February 9-11, 2012, Porto, Portugal.

The main objective of the Symposium is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and expertise among the various research and applied communities on the broad subject area of hydraulic structures, embracing their traditional use in water resources development, as well as their role in improving water management practices, water quality, and restoration of natural habitats. It will also provide an excellent opportunity for social networking and for strengthening the links between those communities.

Currently, Portugal is responsible for the implementation of an ambitious hydroelectric development program (one of the biggest in Europe) which comprises the power upgrade of five existing large hydro schemes and the construction of nine new ones, most of them within the framework of the Portuguese National Programme for Dams with High Hydropower Potential. Due to its geographical location and industrial importance, the city of Porto has always been connected to the hydropower generation, thus being a particularly attractive venue for the 4th IAHR International Symposium on Hydraulic Structures!