Water and Sanitation Week on June 03-05, 2025 in Abomey-Calavi, Benin

I- CONTEXT

A sustainable management of water resource and a universal access to sanitation are essential for

improving living conditions, ensuring food security, and supporting economic growth. However,

the challenges associated with these areas are numerous. To address them, scientific research plays

a key role, leading to innovations, inventions, and technological advances.

In the water and sanitation sector, many research studies have led to innovative solutions, but these

often remain unknown, thus limiting necessary technology transfers. The second edition of the

Water and Sanitation Week therefore presents itself as a platform for exchange, bringing together

scientists, professionals, decision-makers, and partners from the sector. The event will provide an

opportunity to take a state-of-the-art look of the research being carried out, the innovations

resulting from this work, as well as opportunities for technology transfer.

The main objective of this edition is to better disseminate recent innovations resulting from

scientific research and technology transfer, while promoting the professional integration of

graduates. It will also provide a framework that will foster exchanges between experts and

researchers, thus encouraging future collaborations.

II- THEMATIC ORIENTATIONS

Four main themes will structure the debates of this edition: the concerted management of

transboundary waters and ecosystems, advances in water treatment and recycling, tools for

preventing water risks, and connected solutions for water-efficient agriculture. Together, they

cover the essential current challenges ranging from the preservation of resources to their optimal

use while highlighting the most promising technological innovations in the sector.

II-1. Water resources and transboundary ecosystems

Regional water resources and ecosystems require concerted management, sometimes across

several countries. Action research on these resources leads to technological innovations and

developments, creating fertile ground for technology transfers. Some research areas addressed in

this theme are: (i) Impact of climate change on water resources, (ii) Resilient infrastructure for

efficient management of water resources and agricultural land, (iii) Wetlands restoration, (iv)

Restoration of forested watersheds, and (v) Integrated water resources management (IWRM).

Technological innovations make it possible to monitor in real time the quantitative and qualitative

evolution of transboundary water resources and to put in place adapted management mechanisms.

II-2. Innovations in water treatment and reuse

Water treatment and sanitation technologies play a crucial role in protecting public health and the

environment. They aim to provide quality drinking water and ensure adequate hygiene conditions,

particularly in regions where access to these resources is limited. Water treatment and reuse

technologies include filtration, reverse osmosis, chlorination, biofiltration, activated carbon

adsorption, and UV disinfection. For wastewater, wastewater treatment plants combine biological,

physical, and chemical processes for treatment. Adapted technologies, such as ceramic filters, are

highly effective in rural areas, while modular, solar-powered systems offer sustainable,

decentralized solutions. These constantly evolving technologies adapt to local needs, reduce

environmental impacts and strengthen resilience to global water and hygiene challenges. All of

these systems help reduce pressure on freshwater resources while providing sustainable solutions

for managing the water cycle in urban areas. Three sub-themes will be discussed in this section.

These are (i) Wastewater recycling (ii) Recycling of rainwater, (iii) Innovative

technologies/methodologies for treating wastewater and human feces.

II-3. Technologies for disaster prevention and management

Modern technologies play a crucial role in disaster prevention and management, reducing risks

and saving lives. Thanks to satellites, sensors, and artificial intelligence systems, it is now possible

to predict extreme events, enabling early warnings and rapid evacuation. Drones and robots

explore disaster areas to locate victims, while Geographic Information Systems (GIS) help

coordinate relief efforts. Social media and mobile apps disseminate information in real time,

improving communication in crisis situations. After a disaster, technologies such as 3D imaging

and innovative building materials accelerate reconstruction and strengthen infrastructure

resilience. However, their effectiveness depends on their accessibility and strengthened

international cooperation to protect vulnerable populations. Thus, the sub-themes addressed in this

section which may be the subject of communication are among others (i) Flood management

technologies and resilience in rural and urban areas, (ii) Early warning systems and crisis

management, (iii) mapping and management of flood risk, (iv) Humanitarian aid coordination

platforms in the event of disasters.

II-4. Smart water management technologies and sustainable agriculture

In face of growing challenges of climate change and dwindling water resources, the adoption of

smart water management technologies appears to be an inescapable solution for ensuring

sustainable agriculture. The integration of connected sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), precision

irrigation systems and advanced hydrological models makes it possible to optimize water use,

improve crop efficiency and minimize water losses. This call for communications aims to highlight

recent innovations in smart water management for agriculture, highlighting agroecological

practices and the adoption of solutions adapted to local contexts. Proposals for communications may focus on: (i) Agroecological technologies for water and soil conservation, (ii) Agricultural

infrastructure for flood management, (iii) Artificial intelligence and irrigation management, (iv)

Optimizing irrigation schedules according to crop needs and climatic conditions, (v) Climateresilient

agriculture (varieties).

III- TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR SUBMITTING ABSTRACTS OF COMMUNICATIONS

Any Researcher, Lecturer-Researcher, Professional or Student wishing to participate in this second

edition of Water Week is requested to submit their communication abstract(s) via the following

link: https://forms.gle/QFxwCSnPdcYXQMuN8 where the abstract format can be found. The

deadline for submitting abstracts is April 30, 2025 (see the timeline in section 5).

IV- CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION

The participation of communicators in this water week is set at thirty thousand CFA francs (30,000

FCFA) for researchers and professionals and then 10,000 FCFA for students.

Payment method : Bank transfer to account BJ212 01001 000996824101 12, CORIS BANK,

titled GÉNÉRATIONS DE REVENUS C2EA-INSTITUT NATIONAL DE L'EAU.

It will also be possible to pay on site to the organizing team against a receipt.