Period: 01. 09. 2026 – 31. 08. 2030

Funding SOURCE: HORIZON EUROPE

TOTAL BUDGET: 3.999.976,53 €

PROJECT COORDINATOR: Univerza v Mariboru

UM COORDINATOR: prof. dr. Domen Mongus (GeMMA)

PROJECT PARTNERS:

Itc – Inovacijsko Tehnoloski Grozd Murska Sobota, Universitaet Rostock, Privredno Drustvo Za Savetovanje I Usluge U Oblasti Nekretnina Infrastrukture I Prostorne Informatike Igea Sb D.o.o., Ethnicon Metsovion Polytechnion, Cognisensus Idiotiki Kefalaiouchiki Etaireia, Iridra Srl, Association Europeenne Pour L’innovation Dans Le Developpement Local, Institute Of Agriculture Of The National Academy Of Agrarian Science Of Ukraine National Scientific Center, Public Union Ukrainian Cluster Alliance, Institute Of Water Problems And Land Reclamation, Kyiv National University Of Construction And Architecture, State Agency Of Water Resources Of Ukraine, Ministry For Development Of Communities And Territories Of Ukraine

Project website:

LINKEDIN:

Healing the Land, Rebuilding the Future

Abstract:

Conflict leaves deep scars on both communities and landscapes. In Ukraine, vast areas of contaminated soil and water, alongside millions of tonnes of debris, pose immense barriers to recovery. EQUATERRA reframes these liabilities as assets for a green, circular, and community-driven reconstruction.

Our objective is to develop and demonstrate a replicable blueprint for post-conflict recovery. We will transform debris into new, bioenhanced building materials and use nature-based solutions to heal the land, creating a virtuous cycle where restoration and rebuilding are one.

Our methodology fuses advanced technology with deep community engagement. Through three Systemic Innovation Pilots (SIPs) in Ukraine for soil, water, and construction, we will develop a portfolio of ≥31 bio-based solutions and deploy ≥18 in real environments.

The project is driven by a Multi-Actor Approach that empowers local communities to co-restore their land, supported by an AIenhanced digital platform for mapping and decision support.

The expected impact is a powerful, field-validated model for building back greener. By training >200 stakeholders and developing >2 new business models, we will create a lasting legacy of environmental recovery and socio-economic resilience. EQUATERRA will deliver the tools and the “social muscle” for communities to lead their own sustainable reconstruction, providing a scalable model for Ukraine and other post-conflict zones worldwide.