Cousteau to speak at IDA Congress dinner

Environmentalist Philippe Cousteau will be the keynote speaker at the Gala Dinner for the 2011 International Desalination Association (IDA) World Congress on Desalination & Water Reuse, in Perth, Australia, on 4-9 September.

Cousteau is the grandson of world-famous underwater filmmaker Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau. He is continuing the work of his father Philippe Cousteau Sr, and EarthEcho International, the non-profit organization he founded with his sister and mother and for which he serves as CEO.

Cousteau, who has been featured in many television, online, radio and speaking programs, serves as chief ocean correspondent for Discovery Channel’s Animal Planet, where he works on various ocean and environmentally-focused content. He recently signed as a special correspondent for CNN International, hosting a series of environmentally themed specials throughout the year. Cousteau also hosted Oceans Blue, a Discovery/BBC series that premiered in the US in August 2010.

“IDA is delighted to welcome Philippe Cousteau to our 2011 World Congress as keynote speaker at the Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation. His presence underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship in desalination and perfectly reflects the World Congress theme of Sustainable Solutions for a Thirsty Planet,” said Patricia Burke, secretary general of IDA.