 The international Consoil conference, the leading European event for the management and rehabilitation of polluted soil, was held in Bordeaux from October 3rd to 7th. It attracted over 1,000 participants from 35 countries.
Every two years, this meeting brings together researchers, decision-makers, government representatives, industrialists, and local authorities involved in dealing with contaminated sites.
The six topics discussed at this year's conference gave scientists an opportunity to present research, decision-makers to find information, politicians to discuss strategies and harmonizing legislation, firms, consultants, banks, and insurance companies to share their experiences, and international networks to meet and recruit new members.
The four days featured 30 plenary conferences and 100 oral presentations, 20 special sessions on particular themes, 5 national sessions, 300 posters, an exhibition of products and services, as well as field trips.
> GAMM VERT on track at the Bordeaux velodrome
. |
|
The Bordeaux velodrome hosted an unusual event on October 9th. To provide a focal point during their conference, Gamm Vert, specialists in outdoor leisure equipment (700 franchised outlets), held a competition on the cycling track. What was the idea?
|
A competition involving six regional teams of three cyclists drawn from company staff. It was a real challenge and, as track cycling is not easy, all the participants were given instruction prior to the event.
The cyclists may have been amateurs, but they had a go at everything: match sprint, Olympic sprint, and pursuit! The audience were very enthusiastic and gave them lots of well-deserved applause. In the great tradition of the Vel'd'hiv in Paris in years gone by, there was a fantastic atmosphere with lively music and commentary. The races were watched by 1,500 persons, who enjoyed the delicious buffet while they were cheering on their courageous colleagues. The high point of the evening: the champion show. A 45-minute demonstration showed the skills of champions and young riders from the French team.
This was a fine example of the type of event best seen at the Bordeaux velodrome, considered one of the best cycling tracks in the world. From the outset, the Gamm Vert management were delighted by this unusual venue's potential to make their conference truly extraordinary. |
|
