Problem addressed

European cities face intertwined crises: soil degradation, biodiversity loss, climate vulnerability and high unemployment in disadvantaged areas. Polluted urban brownfields often remain unused, reinforcing spatial inequalities. At the same time, vulnerable populations lack access to meaningful employment in the green transition. These challenges are rarely addressed together in a systemic way.

Innovative solution

Lil’Ô converts degraded land into fertile ecosystems using circular soil engineering (technosols made from local waste streams) combined with work-integration programmes. The site operates as a living laboratory, linking scientific research, ecological restoration and green job training. This integrated model aligns environmental regeneration with social inclusion and territorial revitalisation.

Key results and benefits

- 3.6 hectares of polluted land restored into a biodiversity-rich site
- Development of local green jobs (urban horticulture, composting, soil regeneration)
- 80% positive exit rate for work-integration participants
- Strengthened territorial resilience through circular economy and local production
- Increased social cohesion and community engagement
- 3000+ visitors each year

Potential for mainstreaming

The model is transferable to European cities with unused brownfields and socio-economic vulnerability. It relies on widely available resources: degraded land, organic waste streams and local employment needs. With supportive public authorities and cross-sector partnerships, Lil’Ô can be replicated as a scalable framework for inclusive urban regeneration aligned with EU Green Deal objectives.