The EcoSouth Network is a dynamic entity, moving with finesse between the grassroots and e-mail connections. Structure is less important than contacts among people and organizations; in a sense it exists beyond, in spite of, and instead of, structure.



At the first Latin American MCR Seminar in 1991 some twenty tile producers from eleven countries created the Latin American MCR Network. Guidelines for networking focused upon sharing information, contacts among producers, exchange of specialties, elaboration of quality controls and norms, applied investigation, education and marketing, as well as development of affordable equipment in Latin America.

En mula wireless



A Spanish language newsletter has circulated throughout Latin America since that time and reaches most MCR producers, as well as organizations and other interested parties. Since 1994 an English version has circulated through Asia, Africa and Europe.



Soon, however, the participants noted that their interests went far beyond tiles, to embrace the entire habitat. In 1996 the Network expanded its scope to include other technologies and changed its name to reflect the enriched scope: EcoSouth, the Network for an Ecologically and Economically Sustainable Habitat. It coined the word "ecomaterials" to define construction materials that are ecologically and economically viable, and organized the first international Ecomaterials conference in 1998, followed by another in 2001, drawing participants from Africa, Asia, Europe and most Latin American countries.



EcoSouth also embraces academic investigation, sometimes involving students theses. Research from sustainability of MCR to the energy embodied in construction materials, which involves collaboration among Latin American and European universities, have occupied the minds of Network participants. An international ad hoc team of European and Canadian universities, is currently investigating the use of waste biomass as raw material for alternative cement.



In addition to semi-industrial technologies such as MCR and alternative cement (CP40), EcoSouth also propagates traditional sun-baked clay bricks (adobe) as another choice for walls, as well as cyclop concrete. With walls and roofs somewhat resolved, it fosters bicycles as a viable means of transportation.



EcoSouth addresses the great housing deficit in southern countries, especially the vast majority of people who have no adequate roof over their heads. MCR remains the backbone of the Network, and EcoSouth has played a major role in its technology transfer throughout and beyond Latin America.



While we still rely on basic communication techniques, at the same time we send documents in seconds from Ecuador to Zimbabwe, or Nicaragua to Bangladesh. This balancing act requires skill and the commitment of the participants. They must be able to mount mules with a computer in their hands!