Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MarginUp (Raising the bio-based industrial feedstock capacity of Marginal Lands)
Reporting period: 2022-12-01 to 2024-05-31
MarginUp! develops sustainable value chains for bioproducts and biofuels from crops on marginal lands, avoiding competition with food crops. It introduces climate-resilient, biodiversity-friendly crops, enhancing ecosystem health and productivity. The project involves seven use-cases across Europe, Argentina, and South Africa, focusing on local conditions to promote biodiversity and soil productivity. MarginUp! aims to boost industrial sustainability, reduce environmental footprints, and enhance resource efficiency through innovative bio-based products.
WP1
Conducted literature review and interviews, followed by a workshop on marginal lands. Produced GIS maps showing biophysical and socioeconomic marginality factors for five European, South African, and Argentine use cases. Maps are published online and will aid in subsequent tasks. Outcome: D.1.1 “Available marginal lands map with relevant stakeholders”.
Identified stakeholder information requirements and criteria for low ILUC biomass via literature study and online media analysis. Conducted an online survey to validate findings. Developed materiality analyses per use case, extended to M20 for better stakeholder engagement.
Identified barriers and potentials for low ILUC biobased products. Uses SWOT and TOWS methods and strategy mapping in workshops for roadmap formulation with local partners. Results will be included in D1.3.
Collected spatial and tabular data to define the baseline status of use cases. Produced D.1.4 report, detailing agricultural conditions and broader spatial aspects, essential for environmental impact assessments.
WP2
Developed a multi-species biodiversity indicator system and monitoring protocol. Described present land use types and potential impacts on biodiversity, resulting in factsheets and reports D.2.2 and D.2.3. Established biodiversity expert panels.
WP3
In the use case in Greece, the land was ploughed, and soil analysis was conducted. Trees and lavandar were planted. Biodiversity monitoring work has begun.
The use case in Swedish identified suitable practise of using turnip-rape, as an environmentally sustainable oil crop that can diversify crop rotation at Northern latitudes. Turnip rape oil and press cake was produced and preparation of biodiesel production was started.
The use case in Hungary implemented initial site assessments and established energy willow and Sida hermaphrodita plantations, emphasizing reduced tillage, biogas digestate, and drone-based monitoring. Oyster mushroom cultivation tests with herbaceous and woody biomass materials have been assessed.
In the use case in Spain, maize, hemp, and kenaf crops were developed with sustainable practices, and biodiversity monitoring commenced through nesting boxes and pan traps.
In the use case in Germany, biomass extrusion and pellet production were successful, with ongoing stakeholder engagement and biodiversity monitoring.
In the use case in Argentina, synthesized nanoparticles from plant extracts and tested their antimicrobial potential. Conducted field trials for biofuel crops and measured nitrogen fixation efficiency in Lotus tenuis.
In the use case in South Africa, a stakeholder engagement workshop was organised, field surveys with 5 categories of stakeholders were finalised to study supply chain models, quantitative and qualitative analyses of the potential of carbon pricing mechanisms to support biochar and bioenergy value chains were conducted, a partnership with a pellet producer is being negotiated to conduct biodiversity impact surveys.
WP4
Established environmental impact monitoring indicators and developed an Environmental Monitoring Guidance that was provided to the use case leaders for implementation within the scope of 4.1. A summary list of environmental sustainability parameters was also prepared which will facilitate sustainability assessment at the end of the project.
Within 4.2 expected socio-economic benefits of the project was determined through consultations and a mini workshop with focus groups to identify proposed list of socioeconomic indicators. Based on the results, an initial list of indicators was prepared.
The LCA Framework was prepared within the scope of 4.3. The LCA Framework defines the LCA scope, Functional Units and evaluation parameters and identifies appropriate software and databases for implementation of LCA calculations.
WP5
Identified and analyzed relevant actors for each UC, creating mappings, stakeholder lists and (semi-quantitative) analyses. Developed an Action Plan for multi-actor engagement, that also presents the board structure of MarginUp!. Initiated Interactive Value Chain Development Workshops for roadmap creation.
WP6
Performed desk research, interviews, and focus groups for value chain analysis, resulting in D6.1 Coherence and biodiversity in value chains of use-cases. Extended business stakeholder network, crucial for upcoming tasks on value chain economics and exploitation activities. Confirmed the importance of attributes in creating market demand for bio-based products.
Conducted literature review and interviews, followed by a workshop on marginal lands. Produced GIS maps showing biophysical and socioeconomic marginality factors for five European, South African, and Argentine use cases. Maps are published online and will aid in subsequent tasks. Outcome: D.1.1 “Available marginal lands map with relevant stakeholders”.
Identified stakeholder information requirements and criteria for low ILUC biomass via literature study and online media analysis. Conducted an online survey to validate findings. Developed materiality analyses per use case, extended to M20 for better stakeholder engagement.
Identified barriers and potentials for low ILUC biobased products. Uses SWOT and TOWS methods and strategy mapping in workshops for roadmap formulation with local partners. Results will be included in D1.3.
Collected spatial and tabular data to define the baseline status of use cases. Produced D.1.4 report, detailing agricultural conditions and broader spatial aspects, essential for environmental impact assessments.
WP2
Developed a multi-species biodiversity indicator system and monitoring protocol. Described present land use types and potential impacts on biodiversity, resulting in factsheets and reports D.2.2 and D.2.3. Established biodiversity expert panels.
WP3
In the use case in Greece, the land was ploughed, and soil analysis was conducted. Trees and lavandar were planted. Biodiversity monitoring work has begun.
The use case in Swedish identified suitable practise of using turnip-rape, as an environmentally sustainable oil crop that can diversify crop rotation at Northern latitudes. Turnip rape oil and press cake was produced and preparation of biodiesel production was started.
The use case in Hungary implemented initial site assessments and established energy willow and Sida hermaphrodita plantations, emphasizing reduced tillage, biogas digestate, and drone-based monitoring. Oyster mushroom cultivation tests with herbaceous and woody biomass materials have been assessed.
In the use case in Spain, maize, hemp, and kenaf crops were developed with sustainable practices, and biodiversity monitoring commenced through nesting boxes and pan traps.
In the use case in Germany, biomass extrusion and pellet production were successful, with ongoing stakeholder engagement and biodiversity monitoring.
In the use case in Argentina, synthesized nanoparticles from plant extracts and tested their antimicrobial potential. Conducted field trials for biofuel crops and measured nitrogen fixation efficiency in Lotus tenuis.
In the use case in South Africa, a stakeholder engagement workshop was organised, field surveys with 5 categories of stakeholders were finalised to study supply chain models, quantitative and qualitative analyses of the potential of carbon pricing mechanisms to support biochar and bioenergy value chains were conducted, a partnership with a pellet producer is being negotiated to conduct biodiversity impact surveys.
WP4
Established environmental impact monitoring indicators and developed an Environmental Monitoring Guidance that was provided to the use case leaders for implementation within the scope of 4.1. A summary list of environmental sustainability parameters was also prepared which will facilitate sustainability assessment at the end of the project.
Within 4.2 expected socio-economic benefits of the project was determined through consultations and a mini workshop with focus groups to identify proposed list of socioeconomic indicators. Based on the results, an initial list of indicators was prepared.
The LCA Framework was prepared within the scope of 4.3. The LCA Framework defines the LCA scope, Functional Units and evaluation parameters and identifies appropriate software and databases for implementation of LCA calculations.
WP5
Identified and analyzed relevant actors for each UC, creating mappings, stakeholder lists and (semi-quantitative) analyses. Developed an Action Plan for multi-actor engagement, that also presents the board structure of MarginUp!. Initiated Interactive Value Chain Development Workshops for roadmap creation.
WP6
Performed desk research, interviews, and focus groups for value chain analysis, resulting in D6.1 Coherence and biodiversity in value chains of use-cases. Extended business stakeholder network, crucial for upcoming tasks on value chain economics and exploitation activities. Confirmed the importance of attributes in creating market demand for bio-based products.
WP1: Studies stakeholder perspectives on feedstock production in marginal lands, identifying key ILUC indicators to inform policies and strategies for bio-based industrial feedstock.
WP2: Develops biodiversity indicator systems for consistent, biodiversity-friendly production, addressing methodological challenges for impact assessments.
WP3: Achieves significant milestones in biomass processing, environmental restoration, and new regional business models in Germany; produces nanoparticles from native plant extracts in Argentina.
WP5: Enhances actor collaboration and engagement, identifying underrepresented actor groups and improving understanding of actor relationships and interests for successful value chain upscaling.
WP6: Distinguishes between emerging, early-stage, and existing value chains, providing insights for better investment decisions and promoting industrial collaboration for early-stage value chain commercialization.
WP2: Develops biodiversity indicator systems for consistent, biodiversity-friendly production, addressing methodological challenges for impact assessments.
WP3: Achieves significant milestones in biomass processing, environmental restoration, and new regional business models in Germany; produces nanoparticles from native plant extracts in Argentina.
WP5: Enhances actor collaboration and engagement, identifying underrepresented actor groups and improving understanding of actor relationships and interests for successful value chain upscaling.
WP6: Distinguishes between emerging, early-stage, and existing value chains, providing insights for better investment decisions and promoting industrial collaboration for early-stage value chain commercialization.