The International Desalination Association is seeking presentations from industry and related NGOs on how the organization and the desalination community, as a whole, can be more responsive to human needs for clean and affordable potable water.

This is the thrust of IDA’s call for papers just issued for its three day international conference in Santa Margherita, Portofino, Italy on Desalination Industry Action for Good on 16- 18 May 2011.

Supported by Rotary International, the funds raised from this conference will be donated to support a humanitarian project aiming at addressing severe water issues in the District of Ankililoaka, Madagascar, where a population of over 100,000 (50% children) is badly affected by water scarcity.

Day One will focus on the ability of the desalination industry to respond to humanity’s need for drinking water by providing water at more affordable and sustainable prices. Topics will also address existing constraints to global coverage in drinking water; water pricing; and public sector and private sector involvement to provide partnership to growing water needs.

There will be a special session on the rapid deployment of desalination equipment and resources for natural disasters or humanitarian crises around the world.

Day Two will focus on the next generation of desalination technology and innovative solutions. These include generating potable water at twice the efficiency of current production and using alternative energy sources like solar and wind to provide lower cost desalination for humanitarian missions and therefore for communities around the globe.

Day Three – The first part of the day will continue with papers dedicated to optimization of existing projects, innovation in renewable desalination and water treatment systems. Additionally, there will be a dedicated panel on water desalination and sewage emergency response to humanitarian crises. It will also focus on specialized workshops.

To be considered for placement in the program, authors must submit an extended abstract online by visiting IDA’s website from 15 November 2010 to 15 January 2011 and logging into the IDA Paper Management Submission site.

Previously presented or published work will not be considered for inclusion in the program or published proceedings. This policy will be strictly monitored. Only abstracts submitted through the online paper management submission site will be considered.

Enquiries (not abstracts) should to sent to papers@idadesal.org with subject line “Portofino 2011 Conference”.