Reclamation of abandoned olive oil waste lagoons
About this good practice
Restoration of abandoned ponds will be an opportunity to create biodiversity islands using the bioreclamation strategies, including the following sequence: a) implantation of a combination of bio-strategies (composting, phytoremediation and microorganisms) in a scale scenario for a quick vegetal coverage to avoid degradation & soil losses, including synergies to enhance decontamination & phytoextraction of inorganic & organic pollutants, b) implantation of indigenous vegetal species identified in the polluted area to develop vegetal colonization; c) enhancement of integral naturalization of the polluted area to recreational-educational producing also an humid environment potentially used as bird migration islands.
It will have important benefits for the environment and the economy. The area will be rehabilitated as an ecopark.
A wide range of entities can benefit from the project results, including public authorities, technology and industrial associations, etc.
Expert opinion
The LIFE Regrow Project aimed to restore and regenerate degraded lands and improve the quality of ecosystems, through the use of innovative techniques. The project was developed to demonstrate how regenerative land management practices could help recover and revitalize ecosystems that had been harmed by human activity, in this case the abandoned olive oil waste lagoons. By applying different biological strategies to reduce contamination, the area was transformed into a green infrastructure for recreational, educational and training purposes and that today is a reality. The project resulted in increased biodiversity in the area. This good practice is in line with The Nature Restoration Law, the first continent-wide, comprehensive law of its kind. It is a key element of the EU Biodiversity Strategy,which sets binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems.
Resources needed
Evidence of success
- Two microorganisms capable of biodegrading the most refractory compounds have been isolated;
- At least 4 organic waste materials have been selected that can be mixed with the OMW for biostrategies.
Potential for learning or transfer
The need of a solution to this problem is a serious concern for the sector and public authorities, as the main stakeholders. Thus, the achieved outputs could help stakeholders to replicate the methodology to remediate similar contaminated sites. Because of that, dissemination (training) and replicability activities (methodology guide and business plan) will be developed to transfer the knowledge and results obtained. To do this, both the public and private sectors take an active interest in this project.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
LIFE+REGROW CONSORTIUM: Council of Mora, University of Almería, University Miguel Hernandez, Spanish Association of Municipalities of Olive and GESREMAN/Consorcio LIFE+REGROW: Ayuntamiento de Mora, Universidad de Almería, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Asoc