Humus per la Biosfera
This project is completed. Building up humus as a “climate gas sink” to bind carbon and enrich soil fertility in Sicily.
Agriculture Carbon Removals and Sinks Soils
Project info
Italy
08/21 - 12/23
General public, Educational institutions, Non-governmental organisations, Local governments, Private sector
195,800.07 €
Contact info
Stefanie Hermsen
- Manfred-Hermsen-Stiftung
- "Green Jackets" Bronte
Background
Humus is the essence of fertile soil and thus an important contribution to food security. It also has the ability to bind carbon and thus reduce CO2 emission. Worldwide, in Europe, and especially in Sicily, the loss of humus is a serious problem. To counteract this development, municipalities, farmers, and individuals need to apply new approaches in waste management and agriculture.
Sicilian Summer Landscape, Photo: ©Manfred-Hermsen-Stiftung | Giacche Verdi Bronte
Project
The project team promoted humus growth in farms and gardens in the small-scale farming river valleys of Mount Etna, Sicily. These valleys constituted an important eco-corridor between three nature parks which are home to the wildcat and other species. Several activities aimed at encouraging the return of organic matter from households and farms to the soil, thus binding carbon and enriching soil biodiversity and fertility.
On several trial plots, the project team worked together with scientists and more than one hundred farmers to develop climate- and biodiversity-friendly organic farming methods that ensured the production and preservation of humus soil. This additionally contributed to the goals set in the Italian Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan.
Furthermore, the team cooperated with 27 municipalities located within a planned biosphere reserve by providing guidance for an ambitious project: the establishment of a regional organic waste composting system for 140,000 inhabitants.
Finally, the project team supported environmental education for Sicilian schoolchildren by providing education material to schools, focusing on the potential of composting for climate action. To accompany this, project members also assisted the construction of schoolyard composters.
The project team included young volunteers from across Europe in all activities, making them multipliers who transport the lessons learned into their home countries.
External Links
TV-Reportage: Sizilien abseits der Touristenpfade – Wo junge Freiwillige Abenteuer erleben (German)
Results
- Through the efforts dedicated to environmental education, 4,589 children around the Etna helped to promote and install school yard, household, and community compost sites, which together will contribute to climate protection with a total of 24 tons CO2 sequestrated each year.
- In the context of the project’s multiplication aims, 41 young people from 12 countries conducted 11 humus related studies and, among others, grew 4,160 tree seedlings, which were given away for planting and future carbon storage of 145 tons each year. Their valuable experiences empower them to return home as multipliers and networkers.
- Experiments with climate farming methods directly bound 6 tons of CO2 on the project’s trial plots. Especially the tree pruning carbonization attracted farmers. At least 12 farmers decided to adopt the method, which promises a total sequestration of 78 tons each year.
- In addition, a document with comments and suggestions for the region of Sicily on the inclusion of carbon sequestration measures in the Sicilian Rural Development Programme was drafted and sent to the presidency of the region, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of the Environment.
Last update: April 2025