The Moroccan Committee of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH-CM) is organising, under the High Patronage of H.M. King Mohammed VI, the 41st IAH International Congress in Marrakech on the theme "Groundwater: Challenges and Strategies", from 15 to 19 September 2014.

This congress will be organised for the first time in the MENA region, one of the regions of the world that suffers from a severe water shortage. This international forum will offer the possibility of addressing various subjects, such as extreme aridity, non-renewable groundwater, and large transboundary aquifers, confided Prof. Lhoussine Bouchaou, president of the Moroccan organising committee for this topical scientific event. The congress is intended for scientists, researchers, engineers, students, water resource specialists, government officials and administrators, NGOs, and people interested in issues relating to groundwater and the environment, he added.

The Marrakech meeting will offer the opportunity to exchange ideas, knowledge, experiences, techniques, and know-how in various aspects of groundwater. The IAH Congress focuses on an important and strategic theme for development, particularly for a country like Morocco where water resources are beginning to be in short supply, declared Dr. Mohamed Aboufirass, representative of the MENA region within the IAH. He added that "the role of the press in this event is crucial for raising awareness among actors and decision-makers, and for contributing to carrying the voice of scientists and water resource professionals to levels that allow for stimulating the changes required towards good practices in terms of governance and management of water resources".

For his part, Prof. L. Bouchaou specified that "the exhibition will be the key interface between suppliers, distributors, and end-users of groundwater resources and will play an essential role in bringing science and cutting-edge technologies closer to the national and international scene. On behalf of the IAH Moroccan Committee, we invite all those interested and concerned to join us in Marrakech for this exciting adventure".

Oil & Gas Marrakech: Oil & Gas Marrakech is the title of the "International Oil & Gas Industry Exhibition" which will be organised in Marrakech from 15 to 17 October 2014. This event constitutes the unmissable professional meeting for actors in the Oil & Gas industries of Africa, Europe, and countries in the region, including the Maghreb. A friendly and powerful generator of contacts and business, the exhibition is planned during the period of this international meeting from 15 to 17 October 2014 at the Marrakech Congress Palace. According to the organisers, Oil & Gas Marrakech offers significant opportunities for international exporters and joint-venture partners to provide not only investments but also technology transfer, services, and equipment.