Norwegian startup Desert Control has developed an innovative technique that uses liquid natural clay to convert desert sand into fertile land in less than seven hours.
The initiative is part of Sustainable Development Goal #15, which focuses on caring for, restoring and promoting the sustainable use of ecosystems land, manage forests responsibly, prevent desertification and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss.
Such technology stands out in the growing field of social and environmental impact businesses, demonstrating how science and technology can be mobilized to face contemporary challenges.
In Brazil, a country that boasts approximately 20% of the world's biodiversity, the focus on sustainable socioeconomic development has gained strength.
The Brazilian potential to become a powerhouse in Bioeconomy is evident, attracting entrepreneurs who explore themes such as market carbon emissions, sustainable tourism, climate change, sustainable food, reforestation and products derived from sociobiodiversity.
(Image: Jan Vader/Desert Control/Reproduction)
According to the United Nations (UN), land degradation, including desertification and drought, impacts 3.2 billion individuals worldwide.
An alarming statistic reveals that every five seconds, the world loses areas of land equivalent to a football field. If this trend persists, more than 90% of global land could be degraded by 2050.
Faced with this challenge, the UN's goal is to reverse this deterioration by 2030 and restore 40% of the planet's land.
Remarkably, the economic gains from soil restoration exceed the cost of investments by nine times.
Against this backdrop, the solution presented by Norwegian startup Desert Control stands out.
Specializing in climate-smart solutions, the company introduced Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) to the market.
This component has the ability to transform desert sand into fertile soil in just seven hours, a significant improvement over old methods that took seven to 12 years.
LNC works by coating sand particles with a thin layer of clay, allowing the retention of water and nutrients, enhancing agricultural production and carbon absorption. This results in a reduction in water and fertilizer use by up to 50%.
Described as a “giant sponge” below ground, LNC, when sprayed and used with traditional irrigation, maintains moisture without the need for chemicals.
In a strategic move, Desert Control formed a partnership in June 2023 with the United Arab Emirates' Mawarid Holding Investment, a leader in natural resource management.
Thus, this company will act as an operator and licensed supplier of LNC in the region, signaling significant expansion in the Middle East.
Desert Control CEO Ole Kristian Sivertsen sees this partnership as a key step towards innovation and the global expansion of the solution.
