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From a country of peasants and artisans Switzerland managed to become in the last century an industrialized nation with a high standard of living. Land of mountains, rivers and lakes, but with no source of mineral fuel, Switzerland had to rely on hydraulic resources to produce a large part of the energy required for its development. Reservoirs were created as early as 100 years ago in the Alps, some of them impounded by very large dams. Headrace galleries and penstocks were built under difficult conditions to bring the precious source of energy to powerhouses. Nowadays many of these reservoirs add to the natural beauty of the Alps by reflecting mountain pastures and peaks in their crystal blue water.
Although Switzerland participated in the foundation of ICOLD in 1928, it was only 20 years later that the Swiss Committee on Dams was founded. With nearly 250 members, authorities, companies and individuals, representing all branches involved in regulation, design, construction, operation and rehabilitation of dams, the committee plays a significant role in the dam industry, not only in Switzerland, but also abroad.
Visiting Switzerland is an unique experience for everyone while offering a great variety of activities as sailing or swimming on natural lakes, hiking in the country or in the mountains, visiting historical cities or typical market towns, driving a car or riding on a train of one of the best transportation network in Europe. A country of culture and education, Switzerland is also proud of its long democratic and humanitarian traditions.
The Swiss Committee on Dams is pleased to be your host for the 79th Annual meeting of ICOLD.
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Invitation
