CECAT organises third Latin American MCR conference

A Nourishing Experience

The third Latin American MCR Conference took place last May 2 to 6 at the Polytechnic Institute of Havanna. The participants arrived from a dozen countries to share their experiences about MCR as a business. From the practical considerations of quality control, to efficient organization of workshops and personnel, to experiences with a producers’ association, to networking, to the marketing concept of the Golden Triangle, the themes nourished the minds of the producers and others involved with MCR.

The conference was organised by CECAT in a very distinguished manner. In spite of the difficulties in which Cuba presently finds itself, CECAT and its very engaging team was able to set up an infrastructure which enabled this encounter to achieve high levels of professionalism.

The outstanding feature of this conference was the fact that CECAT had to organise it without budget from a project and had to seek sponsors. Besides the Government of Cuba which provided the infrastructure and personnel of CECAT and the Polytechnical Institute, the organisers were able to gain the support of the Costa Rican Airlines (Lacsa) and "tevi" MCR equipment.

Not only the level of presentations, but also the wide array of themes, prompted much professional interchange. After to the sessions, field visits to learn about other construction materials opened new territory in the direction of Eco-Materials. The next step will be taken by several producers who wish to install pilot plants to produce pozzolana cement, in order to respond to the construction materials market in an ecologically sane manner, thereby diversifying their businesses.

Kurt Rhyner, Sofonias