BIDA: Biodiversity in protected agriculture areas

Protected agriculture areas are characterised by poor biodiversity in the spaces between greenhouses.

The Task Force aims to develop tools to increase biodiversity, with cross-cutting agronomic, landscape and land-use planning benefits.

The aim is to: Promote the re-vegetation of available spaces between greenhouses with native shrubs and trees. Establish barriers against the spread of horticultural pests, by encouraging the presence of auxiliary fauna, and improve the hygiene and aesthetic appearance of the field.

A manual will be developed on a digital platform for the proper planting of hedges. Pilot plantings will be carried out in emblematic municipalities and the availability of desired plant species will be organised.

Promote the sustainable management of irrigation ponds and establish a resilient underwater ecosystem. The ponds form 'waterholes', a valuable habitat in the semi-arid landscapes of Andalusia.

Currently, most ponds are kept sterile by disinfection with biocides. A manual for sustainable pond management will be developed.