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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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.
The AIDFI Techno Park is situated on the island Negros, in the Philippines.
Akvopedia article on AIDFI Technopark
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
CART, South Africa
Akvopedia article on the Centre for Appropriate Rural Technology in South Africa
CAT Wales
Akvopedia article on the Centre for Alternative Technology South Africa
CAT, Cameroon
Akvopedia article on the Centre for Alternative Technology in Cameroon
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.
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.
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.
Akvopedia article on Aprotec Columbia
Others
If you are aware of other Technology Demonstration Centers, please add them, or let us know!
