Hydrogeological risk awards at Samoter

Projects dealing with hydrogeological problems, and the action needed in the wake of natural calamities, such as earthquakes, landslides and floods, are to be recognised at the Samoter show in Verona, Italy, in February.

The Samoter show will be focusing on the contribution of earthmoving equipment in emergency situations, and the new initiative is being launched by FOIV (Federation of Orders of Engineers in the Veneto Region).

The awards will be presented to the winners during the 30^th edition of Samoter, and will go to the most innovative proposals for the prevention of hydrogeological risk and the recovery of areas affected by natural calamities.

The contest – sponsored by the National Council of Engineers, the Civil Defence Department of the Veneto Region, the Veneto-Trentino Alto Adige Interregional Fire Brigade Directorate, and Confindustria Veneto – is targeting engineers from all over Italy. Entrants will be able to present a project focusing on one of two topics – territorial safety in terms of prevention, and recovery of areas affected by an environmental emergency.

The deadline for submissions has been extended until 31 January, 2017. The regulations and enrolment methods are available online at the FOIV website at www.foiv.it, or the Samoter website at www.samoter.it.

The three best entries in each of the two categories will be rewarded during Samoter on 23 February. The first prize is €1,500, with €1,000 for second and €500 for third. The aim of the competition is to promote the most innovative solutions for protection of areas with significant hydrogeological risks, such as Italy.

Samoter said that in the sphere of hydrogeological risks, technology was proving to be increasingly crucial – over and above expertise and planning. It said this was why the focus of Samoter 2017 was dedicated to the input that advanced earthmoving machinery could provide operators involved in hazardous environments.

Samoter, the international triennial earthmoving and building machinery exhibition, will be held at Veronafiere from 22 to 25 February, 2017.