Welcome messages

Marco Acieri, President of ICID

Dear friends,

It is my great honour and a real privilege to announce the 26th ICID International Congress and the 77th IEC Meeting, which will be held from 12 to 17 of October 2026 in beautiful Marseille, France.

The French National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, former AFEID, now EAT - Eau, Agriculture et Territoire, has a long history and a prestigious tradition in ICID, being one of the first to join the Organization, starting from year 1953. Since then, it has always been playing a very active role in our activities, both at the national and at the international level.

Hence, given this notable involvement and the remarkable contribution given to our organization, allow me as President of ICID to warmly invite you to participate to these two very important events. I truly believe that participating to this Congress will allow a deeper understanding of crucial issues such as Climate Change, contribute to the discussion on the use of Artificial Intelligence in irrigated agriculture, acknowledge the possibilities offered today by most recent innovations and technologies such as reuse and desalination. Besides, of course, having the opportunity to network with some of the most distinguished experts, scientists, and researchers in the world, working in the field of sustainable water resources management, irrigation and drainage. The main theme of the Congress will be “WATER AND AGRICULTURAL RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE CHANGE”, postulated by means of different questions and articulated through various sessions.

Notably, as almost two-third of the farmland in the world depends on rainwater, climate stands as the primary factor affecting crop productivity. Climate change is therefore a major constraint, impacting agriculture both directly and indirectly.

This is why addressing the climate crisis requires drastic changes, which call for radical transformation and rethinking of traditional agricultural systems, as we know them now. There’s no doubt that achieving water and food security will necessitate a new, modern kind of irrigated agriculture. Hence, we need to ask ourselves, how can modern irrigation and proper management of drainage systems contribute to this agro-ecological transition?

And this Congress, I believe will be the right occasion. Modern irrigation and drainage techniques can significantly contribute to agro-ecological transitions by introducing new farming systems, capable of enhancing soil health, and promoting sustainable water management practices.

As a matter of fact, Marseille is a beautiful, lolling, fascinating city with a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a very diverse character. It's the second biggest city in France, and its location on the Mediterranean Sea create a unique, coastal atmosphere. I am sure that the ICID French National Committee EAT will leave nothing to chance, nor anything unexploited, for the success of this event, providing learning and hospitality at its best, surely delivering a memorable experience. For this purpose, EAT has been arranging very interesting programmes for the accompanying persons, as well as several exciting study tours for the participants, including places of cultural importance and historical heritage.

Hence, for these reasons but not only for these, allow me once again to convey my warmest invitation to all ICID member countries, to Academicians, International Organizations and political leaders all over the world dealing with water use and food security issues, to participate to the 26th ICID International Congress and the 77th IEC Meeting, as well as to visit the Exhibition that will be held in beautiful Marseille, France, in next October.

I will be looking forward to engaging in thoughtful discussions and exchanging opinion with You, collaborating with fellow participants to debate on some of the key issues the Congress will address.

I will be looking forward to meeting You all there.

Dr. Marco Acieri