From June 14th to 17th, 2023, the VI Pan-American Conference on Wetland Systems for Water Treatment and Quality Enhancement will take place at the Paraninfo Francisco José de Caldas, a significant international academic event that is part of the celebration of the 150 years of the Faculty of Civil Engineering.

The Faculty of Civil Engineering at our Alma Mater has prepared an important academic and cultural agenda for this year, framed within the 150 years of this faculty that, since its inception, has significantly contributed to establishing the foundations of this important regional center of thought.

Thanks to the collaborative work of the teachers at the University of Cauca, members of the Colombia node of the Pan-American Network of Wetland Systems, students from the Research Group of Science and Engineering in Environmental Systems - GCISA, and Environmental Engineering master's students, supported by the Center for Continuing, Open, and Virtual Education (CECAV), the VI Pan-American Conference on Wetland Systems for Water Treatment and Quality Enhancement will take place at the Paraninfo Francisco José de Caldas for 4 days, starting on June 14 and extending until June 17, 2023. This conference will host the participation of 15 international experts, including notable names such as Jean Vymazal, a professor from the Czech Republic; Scott Wallace, a renowned researcher from the United States; Pedro Carvalho, an expert researcher from Denmark; Carlos Arias, a Colombian who has worked for many years in Denmark; and Pablo Sezerino, the current president of the aforementioned Network.

As hosts of one of the most important academic events in the region, the Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Juan Carlos Casas Zapata, joyfully shares, "The last Pan-American conference was held in Brazil, and I had the opportunity to attend. I always wanted to bring it to Popayan as a dream, and this week the dream will come true. It should be noted that Professor Pablo Sezerino from Brazil, the current president of the Pan-American Network of Wetland Systems, is coming to Popayan and will hand over the presidency to the University of Cauca. From then on, we will have two years to promote this important network in South American countries and define the location of the VII conference."

This conference will provide a space to expand knowledge regarding how wetlands have become a strategy for sustainable water management, as they support different pollutant loads and possess constructive advantages. This reflects the ongoing efforts of the University of Cauca in creating important spaces aimed at contributing to the development of our region, primarily focusing on rural communities while considering the country's economy, global sustainable development goals, and the discussions in the last United Nations Conference on Climate Change.

As an excellent and supportive University, we are pleased to open our doors and host such an important event. We extend our gratitude to the Pan-American Network of Wetland Systems, led by its president Pablo Sezerino, for entrusting us with the presidency of the network, a responsibility we will assume with total commitment and accountability due to the significance of this environmental issue, undoubtedly resulting in better living conditions for the inhabitants of our region.

Upon completion of the planned academic sessions in the coming days, we will share the most relevant outcomes of this internationally significant meeting and space for reflection.