Since 1977 the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) has an active Working Group on History of Irrigation, Drainage and Flood Control now chaired by Prof. N. Hatcho, Japan.
Aim of the Working Group is to analyze the history in such a way that lessons can be learned for present day approaches and practices. Europe an d Italy in particular, have a long history of water conservation and management. This Workshop is organized to focus the attention on history, experiences, achievements and challenges of land reclamation, flood control, irrigation and drainage in Europe.
Ancient water works, water structures and hydraulic elements that were once ignored by modern hydraulic engineer have been now recognized being rich in scientific ideas and ecological values.

SUBTOPICS:
a) Waterway and communication;
b)Water for food production;
c) Water purveyance for town.

INTRODUCTION BY R. SEGURA GRAINO
I would introduce this session with two previous remarks:
- First of all, I would like to present ICID’s objectives and activities
- Secondly, justify the interest of ICID concerning history of irrigation, drainage and flood control.

Objectives of ICID As you can see on our web site (www.icid.org), the International Commission on Irrgiation and Drainage (ICID) was established on 24 June, 1950 as a Scientific, Technical and Voluntary Not-for-profit Non-Governmental International Organization (NGO)
Our basic aim is: “The Commission is dedicated to enhancing the worldwide supply of food and fibre for all people by improving water and land management and the productivity of irrigated and drained lands”

Activities of ICID These objectives must be provided by: “trough appropriate management of water, environment and application of irrigation, drainage and flood management techniques”

Why the ICID's interest on history? As D. Miguel Cervantes said, the history must be a testimony of the past, but also a teacher and a guide for the future. In other words, let us learn from ancient success and especially from ancient failures, for avoiding new errors.
This is the reason of the existence in ICID of the Working Group on History of Irrigation, Drainage and Flood Control and the reason of our Workshop.