The specific objectives of EQSPAE – 2016 are:

1. To provide a platform for knowledge transfer and idea exchange with respect to the latest development in scientific derivation and application of environmental quality benchmarks (e.g. water and sediment quality criteria or standards) in China and other parts of the world;

2. To foster national and international collaboration in research and development among scientists, environmental consultants, policy makers and governmental officers engaging in the field of water quality management;

3. To resolve some of the pressing practical issues in the establishment and application of environmental quality benchmarks;

4. To identify knowledge gaps and prioritize emerging research areas in the field; and 5. To train young scientists and environmental practitioners on how to derive and apply environmental quality benchmarks for water quality management.