Ecocoboard Workshop October 2007

In Tagaytay City, the Philippines, an international workshop was organized from 1-3 October 2007 for the transfer of an innovative technology that was developed for the manufacturing of building boards from coconut husk.

This environmentally friendly technology was developed by Dutch (Wageningen UR) and Philippine partners (PCA / FIDA / FPRDI) in the framework of a CFC/FAO funded project [CFC/FIGHF/11].

A heterogeneous group of participants from various countries – including researchers, governmental representatives, NGO’s and industry – were informed about the technological possibilities and economic potential of the novel technology for sustainable development in the coconut farming communities.

In separate working group sessions the possible strategies for implementation were discussed and worked out.

A consortium was formed of entrepreneurs and investors for the establishment of the first production line in Philippines, near Sto. Thomas, Batangas.

The workshop also generated initiatives in other regions of the Philippines (Davao) and coconut producing countries (e.g. India, Indonesia, Ghana) where the options for implementation of the technology are investigated.