We start in 2007, working on vermicomposting, a vermitechnology segment, selling vermicompost and giving training lessons. For almost three years, we worked only in this area and also on vermiculture, basically to other our clients. We worked also with schools, making several projects with children. And then? On 2010, we start developing vermicomposting and vermicultura systems. Since 2011 we have focus on all vermitechnology areas: vermifertilization, that uses vermicomposting products to soil benefits based on organic crop production, vermifiltration, to treat domestic, urban, agricultural and industrial wastewater. Actually, we also develop vermicomposting and vermifiltration systems. Our job congregates investigation, consultancy and training. Apart of the training lessons, we give e-learning training lessons since 2014. What is Vermitechnology? Vermitechnology is the science that uses earthworms to face, control and solve the environmental problems in the society and ecosystems. Its an Environmental Engineering segment. Where are you placed? We are placed in Algarve, in a small village called So Bartolomeu de Messines near Silves. Your formation is allocated in this area? I have a BSc on Environmental Engineering so I an Environmental Engineer in Portuguese Engineers Association; I have also an MSc on Sustainable Management of Rural Areas and a PhD on Environmental Sciences and Technologies. I think and believe that I have the technical and scientific skills to lead this project. Im an investigator, trainer and consultant.
Could you give us an idea of the Project?
Organic wastes and wastewaters are basically a source of organic matter, nutrients and energy to the soil and plants. However, we struggle to understand that the wrong management of these materials can lead to the pollution and contamination of the environment. Climate changes are an issue of our generations, not the further. Incorrect waste management, the pollution and contamination of soil and water are huge problems nowadays. We also face a crises in crop production, with the demanding in chemical fertilizers with consequences no the environment and human health. Water uses, water quality and water resources are a big concern to the Wastewater Treatment Facilities. For all these reasons, we create this Project and this idea. Vermitechnology aims to develop global and national environmental benefits to the society. FUTURAMB is an arm of this idea. Why kind of solutions have FUTURAMB? Global warming is the present, not the past and not even the future. Organic waste wrong management is part of this problem. The transport of the waste to landfill is also a problem since waste already has an ecological footprint. We increase this footprint with the transport. Our focus is to develop on-site technologies and processes that reduce the amount of Carbon Dioxide and Methane to the atmosphere associated with the waste and wastewater management. We also focus on the soil quality and organic fertilization with vermicomposting products. Tell us about the main FUTURAMB process? Vermicomposting uses epigenic earthworms to treat organic waste streams and produce vermicompost and other secondary products. It reduces the organic waste volume to landfill and greenhouse gas emissions. Vermifiltration is a technology that uses epigenic earthworms to treat domestic, urban, agricultural or industrial wastewater. Its a passive system that adapts the vermicomposting and tricking filters processes. The processes include primary, secondary and tertiary wastewater treatments. Vermifertilization uses the products produced in vermicomposting to promote soil quality and fertility based in a organic production process. What kind of problems did you face until now? Portuguese governmental organisms are lacking in ideas and solutions to face environmental issues. We identify this problem several years ago: the leaders and technicians that worked in these organisms dont have an adequate formation for the place. We are 30 years back. We still understand the problems in a general way, not in an individual way like the Age locally, think globally mentality. The major part of portuguese politicians and technicians doesnt have the technical and scientific skills. As an example, in Silves Municipal Council, the Environmental Department never heard about vermifiltration! We need to change these situations.
What are your advantages in the market?
We never have a support of local governments. Thats an advantage for us. We dont depend of partnerships, groups or supporters. We are 100% independent. We made this success by our own. We never have any help for the government authorities. Its not strange that the Portuguese government never helped us. As I said before, we are 30 years back and still will be.