Technology Demonstration Centers
Technology Demonstration Centers are places where different technologies are demonstrated, where R&D can take place, and where people can go to receive training in the production or use of particular technologies. The objective is to spread knowledge on low-cost water and sanitation options, with a focus on hands-on demonstrations.
Technology Demonstration Centers are a very effective way of spreading knowledge on low-cost options in a given region. Because a technology always needs to be adapted to the local circumstances, preferences, materials and skills, in the ideal case each region should have a Technology Demonstration Center. There are not very many Technology Demonstration Centers around the world, and the spread of low-cost technology could receive a significant boost if more would come into being.
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ACREST, Cameroon
African Centre for Renewable Energy & Sustainable Technology. ACREST is a centre for information, demonstration, awareness, production and research on renewable energy and sustainable technologies in Africa.
Developed countries started their industrialization process by using renewable energies (wind energy, water power, animal power, solar energy, etc.) and applying appropriate techniques and technologies that were manufactured with local resources and not costly imported ones. All equipments were locally made.
Renewable energies are the energy for the future of Africa: there do not pollute the environment, there do not exhort and are decentralized for their nature.
Our philosophy:
"I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand."
AIDFI Techno Park, Philippines
The AIDFI Techno Park is an area where different technologies which AIDFI develops are displayed. Besides this, it has a large learning centre with visual and audio facilities. It can also be rented for trainings and conferences. AIDFI has a range of technologies, including hydraulic ram pumps, rope pumps, biogas digesters, microhydro, windmills, rice hull stoves, rotary weeder, ferro-cement technology, etc.
AIDFI or Alternative Indeginous Development Foundation Inc. was founded in the Philippines in the 1990s. Since then it has been developing technologies to aid agricultural production and take care of people’s basic needs such as water and sanitation in a cheap and renewable manner. They believe these technologies are key to solving poverty and hunger problems in rural communities. The Technopark was set up to allow locals to make use of the knowledge, skills and resources showcased there. These can be optimised for the devlopment of locally designed, locally produced alternative technologies for the agricultural and manufacturing industry. AIDFI also believes that technologies alone are not a sustainable method of development. They also train development workers, who assist villages in developing self-reliance and managing development projects to ensure sustainability.
The AIDFI Techno Park is situated on the island Negros, in the Philippines.
APROTEC, Colombia
APROTEC is a company, which develops technologies and systems for the use of renewable energy. They focus on the efficient use of energy and respect for the environment of technologies in social development projects. Aprotec deals with several aspects in the field of renewable energy technologies, from the promotion and commercialisation to the development and production of these.
Artefact
Artefact is a non-profit organization in Germany dedicated to applying and disseminating sustainable technologies. They focus mainly on using wind, solar and biomass for energy, water-resource saving techniques and sewage treatment. They maintain several plants, where technologies are developed, tested, and demonstrated to the public. Over 10 000 visitors come each year to see among other things the biogas plants, nubian vaults, fire wood saving cookers, irrigation and electrification systems for different climatic conditions operated here. Artefact also organizes excursions and events for their visitors. Besides this, the centre can be used for training workshops, seminars and conferences related to sustainable development. The centre won the 1998 European Solar Prize.
CART, South Africa
CAT Wales
CAT, Cameroon
CST India
CST, the centre of sustainable technologies aims to develop and promote sustainable technology adapted to the local conditions in India. They focus on renewable energy, alternative construction methods, and environment protection. Since they were set up, 30 years ago, 1.5 million people across India are cooking food using their wood burning devices. They also built thousands of houses using alternative materials, including 5000 in earthquake affected areas of Gujarat. Their tsunami-resistant sanitation systems were also very effective around India.
EMAS, Bolivia
EMAS, or "Escuela Movil Aguas Y Saneamiento Basico" (Mobile school for drinking water and sanitation) was founded by Wolfgang Buchner to address the drinking water problem. EMAS has a strong focus on "assistance to self-help" and has designed a number of technologies that can be built from local materials in order to involve the communities in the development, including: EMAS well drilling, the EMAS pump, the EMAS jetting method.
EMAS runs a training center in Porto Perez, situated at the Titicaca lake in Bolivia, around an hour drive from the Capital La Paz.
SHIPO, Tanzania
The NGO SHIPO (Southern Highlands Participatory Organization) runs a Technology Demonstration Center in Njombe, located in Southern Tanzania. They focus on low-cost water technology such as rope pumps, manual well drilling, and drip irrigation. Website SHIPO
Vismaya Infotainment Centre
Vismaya is a large water theme park in Kerala India. However, they not only have water rides, but also organize informative activities on sustainable solutions. The entire park is operated by rainwater harvested from a two acre reservoir they run. Vismaya Water Theme and Amusement Park is a unit of Malabar Pleasures (India) Pvt Ltd, promoted by Malabar Tourism Development Cooperative Ltd with registered office at Parassinikadavu, Kannur, Kerala. Vismaya Water Theme Park is the one and only water theme park in India promoted by a Co-operative Society. Vismaya has incorporated state of art technology providing enjoyable moments for entire family and is uniquely blessed with amazing beautiful location - A visual treat for all guests who visit Vis~aya. Carefully chosen special rides provides excitement and pleasure to all ranging from kids to teen, youth to couples, and adult to seniors. Vismaya is well managed under the effective stewardship of Chairman Mr.Vadi Ravindran and General Manager Mr. P.P Chandran supported by a team of dynamic board of directors.
WSA (formerly known as African Regional Centre for Water and Sanitation or CREPA)
They complement the efforts of the AU, AMCOW, NEPAD and other regional institutions, which provide political leadership and policy direction, by providing technical leadership in evidence-based policy advice, innovative and sustainable approaches, and advocacy services in the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene services in Africa. WSA was established in 1988 as the African Regional Centre for Water and Sanitation (CREPA) in Burkina Faso and has now spread to 22 countries in West, East and Central Africa. Since its establishment, the organization has never ceased to develop and promote innovative, workable and context specific approaches and technologies in almost every thematic area in WASH.
The WSA technology demonstration site at the Head Office in Ouagadougou continues to serve as a learning centre for many water and sanitation professionals and students in Burkina Faso.
A recent learning visit to the site was by some 28 students from the School of Water and Forest Resources (ENEF) in Burkina Faso on Wednesday 27th June. ENEF trains environment-oriented professionals on various scientific, technical, legal and economic modules in environmental protection.
Technology Demonstration site attracts more visitors, 13 July 2012.
Home page: WSA
Others
If you are aware of other Technology Demonstration Centers, please add them, or let us know!