The International Hydropower Association’s (IHA) World Congress opened on Tuesday, 14 June 2011, with a networking tour providing participants with a chance to take in the highlights of Foz do Iguaçu, and meet each other before the start of the Congress’ packed schedule of meetings. Participants toured the Itaipu Dam, which is shared by Brazil and Paraguay, donning hard-hats for a guided look at the system that produces over 90 million MWh of power per year for the two countries, making it the world’s largest hydropower installation in terms of generation capacity.

Participants were led through the Bela Vista Ecological Refuge, a local conservation programme, watching a video about its operations, education and research projects, before walking the Refuge’s trails to see indigenous flora and fauna, including jaguars, macaws, marsh deer, and others. The tour culminated with a visit to Iguaçu Falls, where participants braved the spray of the falls for photographs of the 275 waterfalls and cataracts, including Garganta del Diablo.

IHA's Consultative Council convened in the afternoon to discuss ideas for the IHA's work in the next two year and beyond. In the evening, participants attended a welcome reception and dinner.