The mayor opens the XVIII Ecoplayas Congress, which this afternoon will distinguish the beaches of Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas
More than 150 technicians and managers discuss these days in Benidorm, under the XVIII International Congress and Exhibition of Beaches-Ecoplayas 2016, about problems and challenges that coastal municipalities and administrations are facing with regard to management and conservation of beaches. The mayor, Toni Pérez, opened this conference with the Vice President of ATEGRUS-Technical Association for Waste Management and Environment, Rafael Apraiza, and the chief of Coasts of Alicante, Rosa de los Rios, in charge of the first conference of the day: 'Management mechanisms for protection and conservation of coasts'. Pérez stressed that this XVIII Congress "is oriented to the municipalities and cities that have on the beach the greatest wealth" and a source of "growth and development" and also to "all those involved in achieving better conservation and give best service ". The mayor pointed out that over the years the beaches of Benidorm have hosted numerous pilot experiences which have been exported to other municipalities and destinations; and he added that now "we have the challenge of innovation and technology and how to put them at the service of the beaches and its users that will allow us to know the use made of them." ATEGRUS vice president explained that throughout its editions this forum has served to "talk about cleaning, operation, quality of sand and water, coastal engineering, lifeguard, and accessibility"; issues that will also be addressed in the two sessions scheduled at the City Hall. Apart from the conference, it has also been opened this morning at Plaza de SS MM los Reyes de España an exhibition of machinery and furniture for beaches by different companies providing services.
