IXCHEL proposes an integrated strategy to restore degraded soils in urban and rural landscapes across six EU–LAC countries (Spain, Poland, Peru,
Brazil, and the Dominican Republic), with the active involvement of seven project partners, including Argentina. By combining Nature-based Solutions
(NbS) with circular bioeconomy principles, the project will implement 7 pilot sites (2 in Spain, 1 in Poland, 1 in Brazil, 1 in Peru, and 2 in Dominican
Republica) where non-food industrial crops (e.g., for textiles, bioenergy, biomaterials) will function as green infrastructures. These crops will
regenerate soil functions, enhance ecosystem services (e.g., CO2 sequestration, infiltration, biodiversity), and activate sustainable value chains
adapted to local contexts
The project targets diverse soil degradation drivers, including heavy metals, hydrocarbons, erosion, salinization, and organic matter loss. Site-specific
phytomanagement strategies will integrate adaptive bioremediation (e.g., microbial consortia, bio-based carriers, organic amendments), Earth
observation methods and tools, and harmonized soil health indicators. Each pilot will follow a living-lab-inspired model, involving communities, farmers,
SMEs, youth, women, and public actors in co-creation processes from design to implementation.
IXCHEL will deliver transferable intervention models, business cases, and open-access digital tools for replication across the EU–LAC region.
Innovative financing mechanisms such as payments for ecosystem services and green procurement schemes will be explored to support long-term
adoption. IXCHEL will contribute to global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., SDG 8, Decent work and economic growth
and SDG 13, Cimate action), the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (e.g., target 2, Restore 30% of all degraded ecosystems), and the
EU Green Deal and LAC restoration agendas, by promoting soil regeneration, sustainable land use, and green job creation.
