Grants
Sustainable Food Systems
Agroecology for ecosystem restoration of the Plain of Gela
Project duration: October 2024 – October 2025
The project is led by CEA ODV, a local volunteer group dedicated to protecting the Plain of Gela and Geloi Wetland, a private conservation area owned by the Foundation Pro Biodiversity and located in the Special Protection Area of Gela Plain, a crucial migration route for Trans-Saharan birds such as Lesser kestrel and European roller, as well as nesting birds, such as the Crested lark.
The project will implement agroecological practices in 7 hectares of land and will engage local farmers through training and other events to promote sustainable agriculture, rewilding, land regeneration and fire prevention.
By tackling unsustainable practices like fire and stubble ploughing, stone removal, and the lack of perennial greenery, we aim to restore vital habitats and improve the environment for key bird species while strengthening agricultural resilience.
*DECEMBER 2024 UPDATE*
The implementation of agroecological practices at Geloi Wetland has started.
The land adjustment work has been completed, and the first plants of holm oaks, pear trees, rosemary, phillyrea, broom, and mastic trees have been planted. The seedlings, protected by nets and covered with abundant mulch, are shielded from grazing and other herbivores.
Rewilding and reforestation activities will help restore vital habitats for key species such as the Lesser kestrel, the European roller, and the Crested lark, while also strengthening the agricultural resilience of the area.
In order to enhance the work carried out within the project, the Stiftung Pro Artenvielfalt foundation has financed and completed the fencing of the area to protect the avifauna from hunting, supporting the persistence of a group of 85-100 wintering skylarks in the area.
**FEBRUARY 2025 UPDATE**
The students of class I TRED from Liceo Vittorini in Gela embarked on an adventure with discover Geloi Wetland, a place dedicated to biodiversity and respect for nature, just a few steps from their school.
Professor Manuel Zafarana engaged the students in activities focused on the conservation and ecological restoration of an area that, until a year ago, was used for intensive agriculture. This initiative demonstrated how balance can be restored to nature through the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
Under the expert guidance of Mr. Marco, a local farmer, the students learned how to cultivate plants sustainably while protecting the environment.
Students from class 1C of Don Milani in Gela also visited Geloi, planting Mediterranean plants and dedicating a commemorative grove to their school.
An experience we hope will inspire the preservation of the natural heritage of the Piana di Gela.
***MAY 2025 UPDATE***
The conference “Agroecology in the Plain of Gela and GreenWays”, promoted by CEA ODV as part of Cicogna Day 2025 organized by LIPU, successfully concluded.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Plain of Gela and the Geloi Wetland Nature Reserve, the event focused on agroecological best practices to regenerate agricultural ecosystems and protect biodiversity. Ten local farms and growers participated in a training course on agroecological methods such as avoiding stubble burning to preserve soil health and protect wildlife; building stone piles and dry-stone walls to provide habitat for species like the Lesser Kestrel; and reforesting with diverse Mediterranean hedgerows to support pollination.
Come and volunteer with us and cea odv to prevent wildfires in the Plain of Gela!
CEA ODV, with the support of SEF, is organizing a Fire Prevention Camp in the Plain of Gela during the months of June and July 2025.
The initiative promotes a series of surveillance and protection days in the Plain of Gela, aimed at directly informing local farmers about the damage caused by the practice of “restuccia”, the burning of crop stubble after harvesting, an agricultural technique that poses serious fire risks if not properly regulated or controlled. The project also promotes alternative agroecological practices.
Period: June–July 2025
Minimum availability: 5 days (not necessarily consecutive)
Hours: Variable
Expense reimbursement available and free accommodation at the CEA ODV guesthouse (Niscemi – CL)