The aim is to define an innovative olive growing model of great demonstrative value that will contribute to halt the loss of biodiversity in the EU.

“Olive Alive: Towards the design and certification of biodiversity friendly olive groves” is a project launched by the Spanish Ornithological Society (SEO/BirdLife). with ehe objective of the initiative is to define, on a scientific basis, an innovative olive growing model of great demonstrative value.The aim of the project is to develop an agronomically, economically and socially feasible, sustainable and sustainable crop production system that will contribute to halting the loss of biodiversity in the European Union.

The project has allowed, until July 2017, the custody of 20 olive groves totaling 3,604 ha, the realization of 8,936 flora and fauna censuses. In which 165 species of birds, 58 species of ants, more than 500 species of shrubs and almost 140 species of woody plants have been identified.

The execution of 14 volunteer camps in which 112 volunteers from all the communities of Spain and from more than 10 countries have participated, carrying out activities to improve biodiversity. As a result, more than 12,000 woody plants have been planted, 1,500 m² planted with seeds of native species in the unproductive areas of the demonstration olive groves, 3 amphibian ponds, 14 water troughs, 73 nest boxes, 14 nest boxes for birds of prey, 10 roosts for birds of prey, 12 shelters for bats and 186 nest boxes for insects.

In addition, four market studies have been carried out to determine the profile of the EVOO consumer who is committed to the environment, in Spain, the United Kingdom, Denmark and Germany.