Project: “LIFE LIBERNITRATE”

By project CIBioGo

Published on 28 October 2024

Spain

Comunitat Valenciana

About this good practice

The LIFE Libernitrate project addresses nitrate pollution, a significant threat to water quality, biodiversity, and agricultural sustainability. This aligns with the objectives of the CIBioGo project, particularly its focus on biodiversity governance. By mitigating eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems, the project fosters ecological resilience and supports sustainable land-use practices.

Using innovative silica-based denitrification systems, LIFE Libernitrate reduces nitrate levels in agricultural runoff, protecting biodiversity in vulnerable ecosystems. The active silica bed technology, piloted in Valencia, ensures effective nitrate retention while promoting sustainable agricultural practices through slow-release fertilisers.

The project complements CIBioGo by highlighting how innovative solutions can support regional biodiversity goals. Protecting aquatic habitats from pollution enhances species diversity and ecosystem services, addressing governance challenges in balancing agricultural productivity with environmental conservation.

Additionally, the project engages stakeholders, particularly farmers, to adopt precision agriculture and sustainable fertiliser use. This participatory approach mirrors CIBioGo emphasis on stakeholder collaboration for implementing biodiversity-focused policy improvements.

Expert opinion

According to the European Environmental Agency (EEA) only around 40 % of the 110,000 bodies of surface water in the EU (i.e. rivers, lakes and transitional and coastal waters) are currently in good ecological shape. The EU Water Framework Directive establishes a framework for the protection of inland surface waters and aims to prevent and reduce pollution. Pollution harms our health and our environment. It is the largest environmental cause of multiple mental and physical diseases and of premature deaths. It is also one of the main reasons for the loss of biodiversity. This good practice is in line with the Zero Pollution Action Plan, which aims to create a toxic free environment. This project reduces nitrate levels in agricultural runoff, protecting biodiversity in vulnerable aquatic ecosystems. The silica based technology, combined with precision agriculture has been proven to work and can be transferred to other regions dealing with the nitrate pollution from agricultural runoff.

Magda Michaliková

Works at Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform

Resources needed

Total budget: €2,354,292.
EU contribution: €1,412,573 (60%).
Human resources: Multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and farmers.

Evidence of success

Prototype II achieved a 23.63% nitrate retention rate for water flows up to 26,000 litres/day. Soil nitrate levels dropped significantly (1 mg/kg vs. 1.24 mg/kg in control plots). The system’s scalability demonstrates its potential to improve biodiversity governance by reducing water pollution and protecting aquatic ecosystems.

Potential for learning or transfer

LIFE Libernitrate provides valuable insights for regions addressing biodiversity governance through sustainable agriculture. Its modular silica-bed system can be adapted to other European regions with nitrate pollution challenges.

Transferable elements include:
Training farmers in precision agriculture and sustainable fertiliser use.
Scaling the silica-bed technology for different agricultural contexts.
Customizing systems for local biodiversity needs and water quality challenges.