by InTrieste
From Trieste down to the rest of Italy, basil is a must on everyone’s plate in this country as well as in the rest of the world. But did you know that the Italian favorite herb can be grown underwater?
In a beautiful coastal town called Noli in the region of Liguria a project called Nemo’s Garden is making just that – growing herbs underwater, while making a difference above it.
The history of Nemo’s Garden started back in 2012 in the Bay of Noli, on the Italian Riviera, when Sergio Gamberini, founder of Ocean Reef Group, came up with the idea of trying to combine two of his passions: scuba diving and gardening. The first experiment was conducted in the summer of 2012, with a very small biosphere anchored to the bottom of the sea.
We interviewed Sergio Gamberini and Emilio Mancuso on boosting sustainability with underwater crops.
Currently, a total of 9 biospheres are fully operational at Nemo’s Garden, showcasing the potential of sustainable underwater cultivation. Within these biodomes, over 600 crops are flourishing, showcasing the success of the innovative approach.
One of the most notable developments this past year has been the implementation of a new, optimized hydroponic system in the bio #2. This cutting-edge system has proven to be a game-changer, allowing to cultivate a diverse range of different plant species.
Could underwater strawberries and deep-sea herbs provide a more sustainable alternative to land-based farming?
“We believe that underwater farming could be the answer to sustainable future,” Gamberini told us.
“We are hoping underwater farming could address various climate issues by growing crops under the ocean,” Emilio added, “eliminating the need for pesticides, while also reducing water use and carbon emissions.”
Throughout the years Nemo’s Garden has remained committed to continuous improvement and experimentation. They have been testing and refining new desalination systems. The results are promising, and production is progressing steadily. These advancements bring them one step closer to achieving self-sustainability within our underwater environment.
It’s not just the crops that have thrived; the surrounding sea life is also flourishing. The underwater lab of Nemo’s Garden has become a vibrant ecosystem, attracting a wealth of marine biodiversity. Giant schools of anchovies gracefully swim through the waters, further underscoring the harmonious coexistence between the innovative project and nature.
