What is the Project?
Adopt the Willows. Natural solutions to your environmental challenges. This project is based on 15 years of expertise in plant‐based technologies to address environmental problems. Ramo has developed a circular economy model built around willow plantations, making it possible to address challenges such as restoring degraded sites, managing wastewater and tackling climate change, while also manufacturing eco‐products to counter noise and visual pollution. The approach is both innovative and natural… blending the unique physiological characteristics of willows with a commitment to environmental restoration.
Main Benefit & Key Figures
Key elements of the project are highlighted by some impressive facts:
- Water Management: Reduction of water volumes thanks to the physiological characteristics of willows.
- Restoration: Restoration and revegetation of degraded sites.
- Visual and Noise Barriers: Installation of natural noise, dust, and waste barriers made from willows.
- Management of Residual Materials: Valorization of fertilizing residual materials in willow plantations.
- BRF Mulch: Soil improvement with natural ramial wood chips made from 100% willows.
- Supply of Willows: Offering willows in all forms – rods, cuttings, bundles, plants.
- Willow Culture: Utilization of short rotations, with willows attaining up to 8 meters in height in just three years.
Willows in Environmental Management
The role of willows in environmental management is at the heart of the technology used by the project. Willows, with their rapid growth, begin capturing large quantities of carbon dioxide from the very first day. The high evapotranspiration capacity of these trees is exploited to reduce large volumes of water, making them a natural solution to water management challenges. Their physiology is key, allowing for efficient water management… and ensuring that water volumes can be reduced in an environmentally friendly manner.
Innovative Restoration and Noise Barriers
Restoration and revegetation of degraded sites are major components of the project. By integrating willows into the landscape, the project not only restores soils but also helps create healthy ecosystems. In addition, natural noise, dust, and waste barriers are installed using willows. This approach addresses environmental challenges with elegance and efficiency – think of it as a green solution to some of the most pressing issues surrounding visual and noise pollution. It is an innovative approach that leverages nature’s own capabilities, offering a dynamic way to improve both the environment and quality of life near industrial and urban areas.
Sustainable Residual Material Management & BRF Mulch
An ingenious aspect of the project is the management of residual materials. Fertilizing residuals once regarded as a waste product are valorized within willow plantations, turning what might be an environmental burden into a beneficial resource. Coupled with this is the production of BRF mulch – a natural, effective soil improvement solution made from 100% willow ramial wood chips. The method empowers both soil regeneration and waste minimization, reinforcing the sustainable cycle that is central to the project. This creative, circular approach ensures that every component contributes positively to environmental sustainability.
Project Impact on SDGs
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Through effective water management and reduction of water volumes.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – By capturing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from day one.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Through restoration, revegetation, and increased biodiversity in plantation habitats.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – With natural noise and visual barriers improving urban environments.
Cutting-Edge Willow Cultivation Technology
Willow cultivation is presented as a forward-thinking approach with short rotations, where willows generate both fine and large stems when planted densely. Rotations are carried out every 3 years, ensuring continuous regrowth without the need for replanting. The technology is remarkable: willows rapidly achieve growth metrics of up to 8 meters within a mere three years. Their attribute of rapid biomass growth not only ensures effective carbon capture but also illustrates their value in the realm of environmental technological innovations. The project also emphasizes the importance of customized willow varieties; over 70 varieties are cultivated, allowing for adaptation to different climates, soil types, and project objectives. This diversity means that the willows prove themselves to be versatile and robust—a natural, sustainable, and efficient tool for environmental solutions.
