Research: International Projects

Sustainable Development: Brazil

Integrated project for Sustainable Development of the Lake Sobradinho area, Bahia State, Brazil 2004-2006

In 2004 the Regione Lombardia, Bahia State Government and the University of Insubria financed this project.  It is an important part of the “Quadrennial project of development of the Sobradinho Area” started by the local government in 2004.

Starting in January of 2004, the project goals included the: 

• Improvement of waste water treatment systems in the inner parts of Bahia State, building an experimental wastewater treatment system based on phytoremediation technologies;
• Development of social consciousness and awareness about environmental concerns;
• Support of local government activities to develop the main project.

The total value of this project is € 800.000.

At the moment, the plant is constructed and ready to operate.
Over the course of two years, several Universities, public and private companies and institutions have been involved in this project including: the University of Pavia, the Federal University of Bahia, and other ministries of the Bahia State Government.

Biodiesel Project for Sustainable Development: power production and economic self – sufficiency of a rural community, Bahia State, Brazil

This project was ecently financed by the Region Lombardia. It was developed with SECOMP (Ministry Against Poverty and Social Differences), and seeks to develop the sustainable production of biodiesel and the social utilization of this bio-fuel.

Project activities will begin next February and include the following steps:

• Plant design and construction
• Improvement of agriculture
• Biodiesel production,
• Use of fuel for social purposes: electric power, transportation (school buses, tractors, etc.)

The project also foresees the valorization of sub-products, such as the “mamona cake” derived from the oil production, and glycerol, which is the main sub-product of biodiesel production.

The project will be focused on a 500-1000 inhabitant community in the inner Bahia State.

Regione Lombardia’s financial contribution is an estimated € 70.000 (€ 35.000 per year).