Introduction

In recent years there has been a considerable move towards managing sediments on a river basin scale, where the dynamic interrelationship between rivers, estuaries and coastal waters is fully acknowledged. With this shift in approach, gradually comes a change in the perception of dredging. It is increasingly recognized that the proper management of dredging, and dredged sediments can result in real environmental gains for fluvial and coastal ecosystems, while still ensuring that rivers continue to function as economic lifelines for local, regional and national economies. Examples of dredging "with nature" include: returning dredged sediments to the estuary in a controlled way to help to achieve or to maintain natural processes; creating increased inter-tidal areas and habitats such as wetlands, nesting islands and offshore reefs. To ensure safe navigation and to meet the needs of increasing commerce, navigation channels and ports will continue to be dredged in the foreseeable future, whether for maintenance or extension. Thus, dredging and dredged sediment management will continue to be an integral element of sustainable development of rivers and coastal zones.

The congress will bring together researchers and practitioners from industry, academia and government from all parts of the world to discuss the latest developments in all aspects of dredging but with a special a focus on dredging "with nature".