The main theme of the Symposium is “The Challenge of Quantity and Quality for Sustainable Future” that emphasizes the need of consideration of the availability of resource during development as well as at the same time paying due regard to the state of the resources in terms of its quality in order to sustain the beneficial use of the resource on a long-term basis. As the world is becoming more concerned with sustainable and environmentally sound development, the issues of groundwater quality and other environmental consequences due to groundwater overdraft are gaining increased importance and must, therefore be integrated with quantity issues in the development, control and protection of groundwater resources alone or in conjunction with surface water resources.

Issues and challenges related to groundwater development and management will be addressed during this symposium and this event will provide an excellent opportunity for the groundwater professionals working in different subject areas related to groundwater development and management in different climatic environments to come together and present their work, discuss, and share knowledge and experience. I am certain that this interaction and deliberation will go a long way to strengthen the linkage among the professionals through networking and information sharing.

So, please join us. I look forward to welcoming all of you to our symposium, to our beautiful country, Thailand.

Ms. Somkid Buapeng