The Element-E project, a collaboration between the Leone Alato Group and the naturetech company 3Bee, is making waves in the agricultural sector with its innovative approach to biodiversity monitoring. Launched just over a year ago, the project has already yielded promising results from three farms owned by Generali Agrifood Holding located in Portonovo, Spazzate, and Costa Arènte across the Emilia-Romagna and Veneto regions of Italy. The initiative aims to scientifically measure and enhance biodiversity, ensuring the conservation of land, the quality of agricultural production, and environmental protection.
At the heart of the Element-E project is a cutting-edge biodiversity monitoring protocol developed by 3Bee, which employs two primary technologies: Flora and Spectrum. The Flora technology utilizes artificial intelligence and satellite imagery to map areas and assess their potential biodiversity and suitability for pollinators. Meanwhile, the Spectrum technology records the sound waves emitted by pollinators, enabling researchers to evaluate their species and abundance in the monitored areas.
The initial findings from the project are encouraging. The Flora technology demonstrated a remarkable increase in pollinator-friendly conditions at the Spazzate site, with a staggering 285% improvement compared to control areas. Additionally, the Spectrum technology revealed a 40% rise in the abundance of entomofauna—essentially the insect population—at Portonovo, while Costa Arènte showcased an impressive 100% increase, highlighting the benefits of natural habitats like woods and meadows in promoting biodiversity.
The unique practices implemented at each of these farms contribute significantly to these positive outcomes. In Portonovo, regenerative agriculture techniques, such as the use of cover crops and carbon farming, are employed to enhance soil health and sequester carbon. Spazzate stands out as a biodiversity haven amidst intensively farmed land, while Costa Arènte features a sustainable vineyard that integrates controlled grass growth and leguminous plants within a larger wooded area.
Igor Boccardo, CEO of Leone Alato, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s results, noting that the combination of traditional agricultural methods with advanced technologies has led to a significant increase in pollinator populations. Boccardo aims to expand the monitoring efforts to additional sites in 2024, paving the way for a comprehensive biodiversity enhancement strategy in the coming years. He emphasized Leone Alato’s commitment to being a leader in biodiversity, advocating for research, quality production, and environmental respect.
Niccolò Calandri, CEO of 3Bee, highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat soil degradation, an issue affecting up to 73% of agricultural land in Europe. He underscored the importance of the collaboration between Leone Alato and 3Bee, viewing it as a vital step toward sustainable agriculture. Calandri noted that the partnership exemplifies how agriculture can innovate while respecting and enriching the environment, ultimately fostering resilience in agricultural production.
The integration of advanced remote monitoring technologies with innovative agricultural practices is proving to be a game-changer in promoting biodiversity and healthy agro-ecosystems. Leone Alato’s partnership with 3Bee showcases the potential for measurable impacts through regenerative agriculture initiatives in Italy.
As the project continues to unfold, the agricultural community is keenly watching for further developments. Simone Mazzola, COO of 3Bee, is set to present insights from the Element-E project at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in London on September 30 – October 1, offering an opportunity for industry stakeholders to engage with the latest in nature monitoring and reporting. This collaboration not only sets a precedent for future projects but also reinforces the notion that technology and traditional agriculture can work hand in hand to create a sustainable future for farming and biodiversity.