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) withthe aim of the initiative to define, on scientific grounds, an innovative olive growing model of great demonstrative value, viable from the agronomic, economic and social point of view. that contributes 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. Resulting in more than 12,000 woody plants planted, 1,500^m2 planted with seeds of native species in the unproductive areas of the demonstration olive groves, 3 amphibian ponds, 14 drinking troughs, 73 nest boxes, 14 nests for birds of prey, 10 perches for birds of prey, 12 refuges for bats and 186 nests 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.