OLIWA project (co-funded by the European Union’s PRIMA program) took center stage at the prestigious “Riccio Day 2026” (Hedgehog Day 2026). Organized by the “La Ninna Association” at the Valdocco Theater in Turin last night, Saturday, April 18, this major environmental advocacy event was a massive success, gathering over 750 attendees in person and broadcasting live to thousands more on Facebook.
Set against a backdrop of live music by acclaimed artist Alberto Fortis, the evening brought together global ecological leaders to address critical issues concerning the environment and the current international geopolitical situation. Among the keynote guests was Vandana Shiva, the world-renowned Indian political activist and environmentalist, who passionately emphasized the urgent need to stop ecocide and combat destructive agricultural monocultures. Renowned climatologist Luca Mercalli also addressed the crowd, providing a stark and detailed historical evolution of climate change.
Protecting Biodiversity Through Circular Agriculture
In the company of these environmental icons, the OLIWA project coordinator proudly presented the project’s research, linking high-level science to the protection of regional biodiversity, hedgehogs, and the wider Mediterranean environment.
The core message delivered to the 750 citizens and experts was clear: saving ecosystems requires reshaping how we handle agricultural waste. Monocultures and intensive farming methods deplete soils and threaten wildlife, but circular bioeconomy solutions offer a sustainable path forward.
Turning Olive Waste into Precious Proteins
OLIWA explained to the general public how the project is actively tackling environmental pollution by upcycling olive mill by-products. Through insect farming—specifically using Black Soldier Fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) reared on olive pomace substrate—OLIWA is turning an environmental hazard into a regional asset.
This innovative process yields valuable, sustainable proteins for animal feed, serving as a powerful and eco-friendly alternative to soy and fishmeal, whose intensive production drives deforestation and overfishing globally.
By transforming olive waste at the source, OLIWA proves that Mediterranean agricultural traditions can evolve into zero-waste models that protect regional water security, enrich soils, and preserve local wildlife and biodiversity.