Eco-materials (local materials or materials and minerals development, industrial minerals and rocks, biosourced and geosourced materials, etc.) constitute an appropriate solution to boost the housing and infrastructure. Beyond housing, eco-materials are involved in the production of most everyday goods as industrial raw materials, material or support for artisanal and artistic work among others. Eco-materials constitute therefore the lever for inclusive local economic development.

Different and complementary techniques (petrography, granulometry, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), differential thermal and thermogravimetric analyzes (ATD-ATG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourrier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) and chemical analyses major elements and trace elements by fluorescence, etc.) are used for research, identification, sampling, characterization and optimization of the technological properties of these materials.

The current dynamic should be supported to make these local resources material resources the lever for the emergence of developing countries and the pillar of climate resilience. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to: availability and accessibility of resources; mastery of technology and characteristics of materials; appropriate production and processing equipment; adequate training of technicians; control of the production and distribution chain;  legal and institutional incentive framework; and environmental aspects among others.

The objective of this scientific session is to present different issues and challenges linked to optimal valorization of eco-materials, and to highlight their strategic interest for the inclusive local sustainable development and economic growth.