Project duration: 04/2025 – 10/2026

Status: AWARDED

The Challenge

Soil degradation is a massive environmental challenge on the island of Silba. Its naturally shallow and marginal agricultural soils take a toll, and high summer temperatures, harsh coastal winds, and limited freshwater sources exacerbate the issue. The loss of regenerative farming and gardening practices and locally adapted seed and crop populations often lead to agricultural practices that further degrade the soil and destroy the wildlife habitat. Besides these, climate change and dependence on industrial products cause difficult growing conditions. With rainwater as the primary source of irrigation and prolonged drought periods, the residents struggle to sustain their land.

Our Solution

This project will support the community in adopting environmentally friendly gardening practices that enhance soil health, conserve resources, and boost local food production. Workshops, lectures, and hands-on gardening will develop sustainable skills and resilience among Silba’s residents. By emphasising practical and scalable techniques for vegetable gardening, development of local seeds, and cultivation of olives and fruit, the initiative aims to empower the community to become effective stewards of their land.

The goal is to:

• Promote sustainable agriculture
• Enhance local skills and knowledge
• Preserve and improve soil health
• Boost community self-sufficiency

Silba’s forward-thinking community has been a role model for its neighbouring islands. This project has the potential to inspire similar projects on other islands, thus serving as an integration model for sustainable practices in island environments.

Project Deliverables

• Lectures and workshops on regenerative and adaptive gardening and farming practices
• Experimental farming plots
• Establishment of a community seed bank

Insight into the Organisation

Since its founding in 1979, the Samotvorac Society has dedicated itself to activities and projects aimed at preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the island of Silba. Their initiatives include efforts varying from clearing and maintaining old forest paths and restoring traditional drystone wall structures to advocating the inclusion of Silba’s mainland and surrounding small islands into protected natural areas. Coordinating projects, securing funding, and managing restoration and ecological initiatives shows the society’s commitment and skill in delivering impactful and sustainable projects that benefit the island community and preserve its unique heritage for future generations.