Peer-to-peer exchange in Gotland

Evelyn Böttinger from Törbel-Moosalpregion, Dynamo 12
Evelyn gives her insights into what she learnt from the exchange:

This visit at Sibbjärns farm provided valuable insights into sustainable rural development, highlighting innovative strategies that could be adapted in other regions. The combination of technological solutions, community engagement and circular economy principles demonstrated how rural areas can move towards self-sufficiency while maintaining ecological balance and economic viability.

Innovative Water Management Solutions:

• The Sibbjäns farm employs a unique rainwater collection system using rooftops and gravity-based distribution.
• Water is filtered through sand and UV systems to make it suitable for different uses, including livestock and irrigation.
• The ability to switch between rainwater and drinking water sources enhances flexibility and resource optimisation.

Sustainable Energy and Power Storage Challenges:

• While solar panels are planned to be a key component of the farm’s renewable energy strategy, aesthetic concerns for guests limit their placement.
• Floating solar panels in a pond help reduce algae growth while generating electricity.
• Power storage remains a challenge, with the farm considering alternative solutions such as gas storage instead of traditional battery stacks.

Circular Economy and Waste Utilisation:

• The farm embraces a circular approach where the output of one system serves as an input for another.
• Organic waste is decomposed using a composting machine within 14 days, producing soil for crops and vegetables.
• Human waste management remains an issue due to strict sanitation norms, but there is an interest in energy production from human faecal matter.

Agroforestry and Local Biodiversity:

• The farm integrates diverse agricultural practices, including hazelnut bushes, fruit trees as well as local species of sheep, chickens and Hungarian Mangalitsa pigs.
• Crop diversity ensures resilience against unpredictable weather conditions.
• They collaborate with universities to study soil improvements in terms of carbon retention and biodiversity.

Community Engagement and Local Cooperation:

• The farm actively collaborates with local producers, using dairy products and wood chips from nearby sources.
• The hotel and restaurant plan to operate year-round, ensuring steady economic activity and employment.
• Initiatives such as using algae from the sea to clean the ocean and generate heat for greenhouses illustrate the farm’s commitment to environmental sustainability.