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G. Special Speech and Introduction to IETC’s “maESTro”

“Changing the Concept of Sewage Works for Sustainable Society—Separation of urine and feces for recovery of useful materials and stopping contamination of water bodies” by Prof. Saburo Matsui, Kyoto University, Japan

Prof. Matsui pointed out the potential value of urine as a natural and non-toxic fertiliser for edible crops, and that of treated feces for non-edible crops. The treatment of feces is much easier if separated at source from urine. Prof. Matsui described different types of toilets that could help with this separation and collection process for ultimate use. This approach could solve many problems currently faced in terms of human waste storage and water resource contamination from untreated human waste.

Key Points Presented:

• Urine has the ideal composition and balance of elements for fertiliser, and is generally pathogen-free.
• If urine can be removed from wastewater, the wastewater is much easier to treat.
• Separating urine and feces makes handling sewage much easier in terms of sanitation – a very important issue for developing countries. Water consumption is also drastically reduced.
• Since ancient times, China and later Japan collected human waste to use as fertiliser, an excellent form of recycling. Japan’s conversion to a western sewage system was, in a sense, moving backwards.
• Eutrophication (the discharge of mass quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus into water bodies, resulting in algae or white plankton blooms) is a major problem in freshwater bodies world-wide; separating urine and feces and using them instead of chemical fertilisers could improve this situation greatly.
• In Sweden “ecological sanitation” is being promoted; this is especially relevant to countries where sanitation is not readily available.
• More research is necessary to implement feces and urine separation systems and consequent fertiliser use.
• The greatest obstacle to utilising such a system is people’s mindset, which can be changed.

“Introduction to IETC’s maESTro” by Mr. Robert Rodriguez, Information Network Officer, UNEP-IETC

The second presentation introduced “maESTro”, IETC’s specialised directory of Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs). “maESTro” is an integration of three databases: one on institutions, one on information systems, and one on available technologies. The format has been kept simple, to make the programme more manageable.

As an example of how maESTro works: Technologies may be accessed according to the type of technology or geographical area. The technology database presents general information and contact information, as well as relevant technical, financial and cultural information. The information is presented so that users can find out whether this technology may be a good solution for their situation; if so, they may then contact the technology developer or other relevant party for more information.

Key Points Presented:

• “maESTro” offers information on both “soft” technologies (management systems, etc.) and “hard” technologies (equipment and other hardware).
• IETC is currently working with more than 120 institutions worldwide to collect and present this information.
• The database features more than 1200 technologies available worldwide.
• The cheapest and quickest way to access the maESTro database is via the internet. Since many countries do not have ready access to the internet, IETC has also developed a PC tool that offers all the same information offline, on CD-ROMs and floppy diskettes. These are distributed free of charge.
• Hard-copy format of maESTro is provided free of charge to users upon request. The information is available by subject and location and is not computer dependent.
• Currently about 30 new technologies every week are received at IETC, and all maESTro users are updated every 6 months. This will become more frequent as funding becomes available.
• “maESTro” is not just a database, it is also an effective data management tool. Information can be inserted and modified at will. It also features working group facilities so that information can be sent from one computer to another, via internet or floppy disks.
• “maESTro” is requesting constant input—the more global technology users, producers, and consultants contribute, the more information will be available for everyone.

Table of Contents

• Brochure
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• International Year of Forests
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• World Environment Day
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• UNEP Campaign
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