In the month the organization celebrates its 13th anniversary, Sasha Bezuhanova, founder of MOVE.BG, has given an interview to Bulgarian National Radio (BNR).
Did you know?
39% of the land in the EU is used for food-related activities, according to Eurostat data.
What are the solutions?
MOVE.BG`s program “Urban Jungle” has published a special brochure presenting 7 Bulgarian entrepreneurs who develop innovative solutions to global environmental challenges from Bulgaria. The project is part of our initiative for a green restart of the Bulgarian economy after the coronavirus.
Today, we meet you with an innovative project through the eyes of its creator - the Sofia-based innovative project of Kremena Dervenkova who develops a Small Colony for edible crickets. In a special interview with MOVE.BG Kremena tells us more about the project.
What are the main problems with feeding the population?
Climate change and biodiversity - 70% of arable land worldwide is used for livestock purposes, and the harmful gases emitted into the atmosphere by cattle are more than those produced by all types of transport combined. At the same time, meat consumption is growing globally, forests are being cut down to provide more space for animal husbandry, livestock intensification, the production of special fodder, and the use of hormones and antibiotics.
What is the impact of this challenge in Bulgaria/Europe?
Europe imports 14 million tonnes of soybeans in a year for animal feed, which makes the region dependent on imports, on one hand, and, on the other hand - has a serious environmental impact. The livestock sector in Europe is the largest in the world in terms of economic activity and the adoption of alternative sources of food for animals and humans is the most logical step on the way to its sustainable development.
What are the solutions?
It is necessary to look for alternative sources of animal protein, such as edible insects (nearly 2,000 species), which require tens of times less area, food, and water and have a lower ecological footprint. Grown on special farms, edible insects are not treated with antibiotics or hormones and are safe for human consumption.
What does your product offer?
At the moment, I cultivate crickets (Acheta domesticus) on a small scale for the purposes of market testing in Bulgaria. I mainly deal with the promotion of the consumption of edible insects through photo and video content, posts on social networks, and participation in the media. My long-term goal is to open the first farm for edible crickets in Bulgaria, which will offer products at an affordable price.
What is your motivation to develop an innovative business with a social impact?
I am an environmentally-conscious and responsible person, with a passion for tasty and healthy food, who believes in the potential of edible insects to be part of the solution to today’s global problems. Open your mind and mouth for insects!
Who are the other innovative Bulgarian entrepreneurs and why they have decided to develop green businesses? Download our free brochure "Green Innovators of Bulgaria" here.
For a green restart of the Bulgarian economy
It is time for a green restart of the Bulgarian economy and its transition from resource-intensive industries to green business models. Funds from the EU post-COVID-19 recovery mechanism - “Next Generation EU” as well as those from the Green Deal can help make this transition a successful journey. Therefore, MOVE.BG has initiated a coalition “For a Green Restart” that includes “Greenpeace-Bulgaria”, WWF Bulgaria, “Institute Circular Economy”, and MOVE.BG.
The coalition has brought together over 50 of Bulgaria's leading experts in the fields of green startups and innovation, climate, the circular economy, energy as well as biodiversity, and agriculture. They have generated more than 130 ideas for a green restart of the Bulgarian economy. Read the recommendations here.
