A Sustainable Solution for Dry Forests
In regions like the Canary Islands, Barcelona, and Chile, an innovative fog-catcher design is revolutionizing the way dry forests are sustained. This environmentally friendly solution generates water without the need for emissions, infrastructure, or extensive resources. Inspired by nature’s design, these fog catchers mimic the way pine needles harvest water from the air, providing a sustainable method to combat desertification and support reforestation efforts.
Ancient Practice Meets Modern Innovation
Fog catching, also known as “cloud milking,” is not a new concept. For centuries, communities in arid regions like the Atacama Desert in Chile and the Atlas Mountains of North Africa have used nets to collect water droplets from fog. However, traditional fog nets struggle in areas with strong winds. LIFE Nieblas, an EU-funded ecological project in the Canary Islands, sought to overcome this limitation by developing a new design.
The fog catchers created by LIFE Nieblas resemble rows of artificial pine needles. Unlike traditional nets, this design allows strong winds to pass through while efficiently capturing moisture particles. “In recent years, the Canaries have undergone a severe process of desertification and we’ve lost a lot of forest through agriculture. And then in 2007 and 2009, as a result of climate change, there were major fires in forested areas that are normally wet,” explained Gustavo Viera, the technical director of LIFE Nieblas. The new design offers a resilient, sustainable solution to these challenges.
A Carbon-Free Innovation
One of the most significant advantages of these fog catchers is their minimal environmental impact. Once transported to the site, the structures require no roads, powerlines, or irrigation channels for setup. The water they collect flows naturally to the ground, eliminating the need for pumps or machinery. The absence of electricity and infrastructure ensures that the process is entirely carbon-free, preserving the natural landscape.
Additionally, the system’s simplicity makes it highly accessible. There is no need to alter the natural course of streams or creeks, nor is there a requirement to drill wells. These attributes make the fog catchers a practical solution for remote and environmentally sensitive areas.
Remarkable Results in Gran Canaria
The impact of these fog catchers is already evident in places like the Andén ravine in Gran Canaria. A 35.8-hectare reforestation project using native laurel trees irrigated by the fog catchers has achieved a survival rate of 86%, more than double the success rate of traditional reforestation methods. This success highlights the potential of the design to restore degraded landscapes and combat desertification effectively.
“The Canaries are the perfect laboratory to develop these techniques,” said Vicenç Carabassa, head scientist of the project and a researcher at the Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications at the University of Barcelona. He noted that other regions with similar climatic conditions, such as Chile and Morocco, could also benefit from this innovative approach.
Success Stories in Chile
Chile offers another compelling example of the effectiveness of fog catchers. In the Coquimbo province, the town of Chungungo has implemented a combination of traditional fog nets and the LIFE Nieblas pine needle design. This hybrid approach collects approximately 250 gallons of water per day, providing a reliable source of moisture in a region where water scarcity is a pressing issue.
Expanding the Horizon of Possibilities
The success of the fog-catcher design demonstrates the potential for sustainable, low-impact solutions to address water scarcity and reforestation challenges in arid regions. By harnessing a natural resource as abundant as fog, these systems provide hope for dry forests facing the dual threats of climate change and desertification.
Looking ahead, the adaptability of this technology could inspire broader adoption in areas with similar conditions. As regions worldwide grapple with the consequences of a changing climate, innovations like the LIFE Nieblas fog catchers offer a practical, scalable, and eco-friendly way to secure water resources and restore ecosystems.
What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!
True Activist / Report a typo
