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The 19th International Conference of the International Water Association (IWA), 19th IWA International Conference on Wetland Systems for Water Pollution Control, begins on Monday, 14 September 2026, at 09:00, at the “Mikis Theodorakis” Theatre in the Venetian Harbour of Chania. The conference will be held until Thursday, 17 September 2026.
The event is being hosted by the Laboratory of Environmental Technology and Management of the School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the Technical University of Crete, under the direction of Associate Professor Alexandros Stefanakis, who is also Chair of the IWA Scientific Group focusing on the conference topics.
This conference series was launched in 1989 and focuses on issues related to the circular management of water, wastewater reuse, green treatment technologies, and nature-based solutions. These are issues of particular importance for Crete and the Greek islands, as well as for Greece as a whole.
The conference is one of the most important international scientific events in the field of water resources management and wastewater treatment. More than 350 delegates from 55 countries are expected to participate, including leading researchers, engineers, representatives of international organisations, policymakers, and industry professionals. This level of participation highlights the international reach of the event and the significance of its subject matter, particularly in the context of addressing the impacts of climate change.
The conference will be officially opened by Associate Professor Alexandros Stefanakis, Chair of the IWA Scientific Group. Welcome addresses will be delivered by the Rector of the Technical University of Crete, Professor Konstantinos-Alketas Ouggrinis, the Mayor of Chania, Panagiotis Simandirakis, representatives of the Region of Crete, as well as Kala Vairavamoorthy, Executive Director of the IWA.
At a time when climate change and growing demand for water are placing increasing pressure on water resources, the Conference provides a platform for dialogue and collaboration aimed at developing resilient and sustainable solutions at a global level.
The selection of Chania and Crete as the venue for the conference highlights the particular role of Greece and the Mediterranean as key regions for the development and implementation of sustainable water management solutions, given the distinctive environmental challenges they face.
The conference is supported by the Region of Crete and the Regional Development Fund of Crete, as well as by major Greek and international companies active in the environmental sector, including THALIS, Dimtech and Asteriadis from Greece, and ATLAN from Australia, as well as Global Wetland Technology, AquaSaf and Scirpe from France.
The media sponsors are Ecotec and Water&waste magazines, as well as the Science Me platform.
Alongside the main scientific programme, thematic workshops, field visits to innovative facilities, and networking activities will take place, strengthening the connection between scientific research and its practical application.
Conference website and programme
Email: icws2026@tuc.gr
