Celebrating 40 Years of AquaConSoil: Innovation, Collaboration, and Real-World Impact

In June 2025, AquaConSoil celebrated a significant milestone: 40 years of bringing together science, policy, and practice to shape sustainable solutions for soil, water, and sediment management. Held in Liège, Belgium, the anniversary edition of the conference was a moment to reflect, connect, and look forward.

What began in 1985 as a small meeting of experts in Utrecht has grown into a global community dedicated to tackling some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

A Legacy of real-world impact

Throughout the years, AquaConSoil has been a driving force behind key advances in environmental management, including:

• The shift from “dig and dump” to risk-based and nature-based remediation

• The development and application of technologies such as in-situ bioremediation, bio-activated zones, and aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES)

• The growing influence of integrated EU policies addressing pollutants alongside climate, biodiversity, and water system impacts

• The emergence of green pharmacy approaches to manage pharmaceutical pollution at its source

These achievements underscore AquaConSoil’s core mission: bridging science and practice to create sustainable, practical solutions.

Facing the future, together

As we look to the future, the challenges only grow more complex. From climate change and water scarcity to biodiversity loss and emerging contaminants, the need for interdisciplinary collaboration has never been greater.

AquaConSoil remains committed to:

• Fostering cross-border, cross-sector collaboration

• Engaging and supporting the next generation of scientists and practitioners

• Extending global cooperation, especially in regions where the challenges are most acute