An inaugural conference discussing the engineering challenges and geosynthetics solutions that could benefit northern Brazil debuted recently.

IGS Brazil's Geossint North conference, the Chapter's first regional geosynthetics symposium, brought together some 110 participants, including representatives from universities, the private sector and government agencies.

Attendees immersed in a series of lectures and discussion sessions with renowned experts, including a keynote lecture from Professor Ennio Marques Palmeira on 'Geosynthetics – applications and functions'.

The programme was divided into four themes covering the main technical problems in the north: the application of geosynthetics in landfills, the application of geosynthetics for erosion processes, geosynthetics in paving, and geosynthetics in mining.

Brazil's north is its largest region but has the second lowest population of any region in Brazil. Made up of seven states – Amazonas, Pará, Acre, Roraima, Rondônia, Amapá – the area is a little bigger than India. It sits closest to the Equator and is irrigated by the largest rivers in the world so is susceptible to the effects of climate change. The UN Climate Change Conference (UFCCC COP30) will be held in November, this year, in Belém, in the northern state of Pará.

Professor Maria das Graças Gardoni, President of IGS Brazil, said: "Geossint North has established itself as an important forum for discussion of the challenges and solutions to engineering problems in the northern region. This symposium format is innovative and could be adopted by other Chapters, especially those in large countries.

"An important outcome of the event will be the creation of a technical document, based on the conclusions drawn during the discussion sessions, which will be available to participants, government agencies and the technical and scientific community responsible for developing the region, as well as IGS Brazil members."

Prof. Gardoni also thanked sponsors of the event, held on November 5, last year, in Manaus, the IGS Foundation for financial support, Professor Matheus Pena for organizing the event and the Federal University of Amazonia for the facilities and infrastructure.

Discover more about IGS Brazil activities, events and initiatives here.