Events
Satellite Symposium of GWIN "Changing Conditions of Water Resources in the World"
Date: September 30, 2009
Venue: Room 191 (C1), Katsura Campus, Kyoto University
Organized by:
Kyoto EnviNano Center, Expansion Program of Kyoto Environmental Nanotechnology Cluster (KENC) and ASTEM RI (Core Organization of KENC)
Co-organized by:
- Kyoto Prefecture
- Kyoto City
- Kansai Economic Federation
- Kansai Science City
- Kyoto University Graduate School of Engineering
- Kyoto University Global COE Program "Global Center for Education and Research on Human Security Engineering for Asian Megacities"
Supported by:
METI Kansai, JST Plaza Kyoto, Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kyoto Industrial Association,KYOTO San-Gaku-Kou Renkei Kikou, Kyoto SangyoEco-Suishin Kikou, JASVE, KAVES, Nikkei Inc. (Osaka), Kyoto Shinbun, Nikkei Ecology, Nikkei BP ECO Management Forum, NBCI, Consulate General of the U.S., Osaka-Kobe
Number of attendants: about 180
Program
Report 064
Outline
Fortunately, water is a renewable resource that can be recycled globally because of its unique properties. However, areas with a lack of satisfactory water quantity and quality have been growing due to increases in population as well as agricultural and industrial activity. Additionally, environmental deterioration and global warming may be loading further pressure on this situation. To solve these issues, it is imperative to develop innovative social systems and technologies in addition to the active preservation of the environment and control of global warming. The purpose of this symposium was to lead the participants to better recognize global water issues and the importance of innovative systems and technologies in solving water issues, which would serve as a gate way for Japan's contribution to the world.
Report
In session 1 titled "Water Resources Issues," Dr. Saburo Matsui, who was working actively around the world on water issues, and Dr. Takashi Asano, an internationally famous researcher in the field of water reuse, gave lectures about important aspects in water issues and water reuse. In addition, Dr. Michael Wehner presented an advanced example of water reuse in California. In session 2 titled "Science and Technology Policies for Environment and Water Issues", Dr. Yuzuru Matsuoka explained the G-COE Program "Global Center for Education and Research on Human Security Engineering for Asian Megacities" as the project leader, and Dr. Mark A. Shannon presented on the advances in water purification research at the U. S. NSF Science and Technology Center. Meanwhile, Dr. Kazumi Matsushige and persons in Kansai Economic Federation and Kyoto Prefecture explained the state of activities in Kyoto University and in each section. Finally, we ended with a panel discussion titled "Future Development" as the conclusion of this symposium. A banquet closed the symposium offering the participants a chance to strengthen the ties with the representatives of many institutions. The exchange of opinions was fruitful, sharing their perceptions and future visions of this issue.
