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.
AIDFI Technopark, Philippines
take place in several places in the world, and display and showcase appropriate technologies. Also called "Smart tec Centers" by the NGO Connect International, the objective is to demonstrate innovative low cost water and sanitation options, and hands-on is given. Examples are the AIDFI Techno Park in the Philippines, displaying AIDFI's (Alternative Indeginous Development Foundation Inc) technologies are displayed.
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.
