In the heart of Rome, atop the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), lies a verdant oasis—a rooftop garden teeming with life and innovation. In recent years, smart technologies have emerged as innovative solutions to urban sustainability challenges. Among them, this garden stands as a notable example of green innovation, showcasing the impact of AI-driven solutions. 

Inaugurated in November 2021, FAO’s rooftop vegetable garden was established through collaborative efforts aimed at embedding sustainability. This achievement was made possible by the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, thanks to the collaboration with NaturaSì, Ecobubble, Sapienza University-Botanical Gardens of Rome, Slow Food, and with the support of the Italian Development Cooperation.

Smart Technologies for Sustainability 

This garden, a prototype agroecological laboratory fueled by cutting-edge smart technology, aims to generate an intelligent automation system in which the plants communicate how much water and nutrients they need to keep thriving. 

Central to the rooftop garden's success is the integration of smart technologies, which revolutionize traditional gardening practices. These technologies are harnessed for water detection, multispectral imaging, rain gauges, weather data, and eventually, nutrient and pathogen monitoring. The transformative potential of smart technology manifests in several key areas: 

• Precision Irrigation: By monitoring soil moisture levels, automated irrigation minimizes water wastage, essential for rooftop gardens susceptible to environmental fluctuations. 

• Nutrient Management: Smart sensors track soil composition, facilitating targeted fertilization and preventing overuse, thus mitigating environmental impact. 

• Pest and Disease Monitoring: Early detection of pests and diseases through smart cameras enables prompt intervention, reducing reliance on harmful pesticides and fostering ecological balance. 

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Insights gleaned from collected data empower informed decision-making, facilitating continuous improvement in garden management practices. 

Ground sensors, humidity monitors, and multispectral cameras form the backbone of this technological ecosystem. Grounded in AI, the AIoT system provided by Ecobubble stands at the forefront, harnessing data to optimize resource management and plant health. 

In particular, advancements in technology were evident with the replacement of multispectral cameras. These upgraded models, coupled with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system, now enable precise monitoring of plant lushness by tailoring irrigation practices to each species' requirements. They measure the light spectrum reflected by the plant leaves, known as "reflectance," creating a database of reflectance curves specific to each plant species grown on the rooftop. The goal is to create an intelligent automation system where plants can indicate if they are under stress and prompt appropriate responses based on their conditions.

Infusing Intelligence to Biodiversity  

The garden's stewardship lies in the capable hands of a team from Sapienza University Botanical Garden of Rome. Their meticulous care ensures the flourishing of a diverse array of plant species, attracting an abundance of fauna.

In 2023, the initiative witnessed significant strides in greening efforts. In March, the installation of two bee hotels marked a pivotal moment, providing sanctuary to bees, particularly solitary pollinators like Osmia bicornis (Osmia rufa), or Mason bees. These bees lay their eggs within bamboo canes, symbolizing the garden's commitment to nurturing ecosystems. Notably, 33 bees have already laid their eggs in the shelters, heralding a promising cycle of pollination and biodiversity. These shelters also promote environmental education and labor inclusion, as the skills of young people with disabilities were involved in their constructions.

Lessons Learned and Continued Innovation 

The Mountain Partnership Secretariat and the Corporate Environmental Responsibility Team at FAO are keen on sharing the valuable insights and best practices acquired from this experience. These insights will prove beneficial for other offices worldwide seeking to promote sustainable urban farming initiatives. Key considerations include the followings:

• It is crucial to conduct environmental assessments and understand specific conditions (sun exposure, wind patterns, temperature extremes). This knowledge is essential for optimizing technology settings and plant selection.
• In addition, the weight of growing media, plants, and irrigation system is a key factor in urban farming projects. Use of lightweight materials like pumice helps mitigate structural strain on the roof.  
• Furthermore, there is a focus on prioritizing native and drought-tolerant species to enhance resource efficiency. These species require less water and demonstrate better adaptability to varying conditions, thus contributing to sustainability. 

Another noteworthy aspect is that this innovation goes beyond the rooftop. The produce from this garden is donated to local associations by FAO, extending the positive impact of the rooftop garden beyond ecological and technological achievements to benefit the community. Considering integrating community support initiatives is another important recommendation to maximize the social impact.

Looking ahead, the project's impact extends beyond its immediate confines. Ongoing research and partnerships, particularly with Ecobubble and Sapienza University, promise further innovation in smart technology integration. Additionally, the forthcoming inauguration of an outdoor hydroponic garden underscores the initiative's commitment to exploring cutting-edge solutions for sustainable agriculture in fragile ecosystems. 

“Our rooftop garden showcases how smart technologies can enhance biodiversity and sustainability. Through innovation and collaboration, we want to shape a greener, more resilient future for urban environments worldwide.”

Giorgio Grussu Project Coordinator, Mountain Partnership Secretariat.

The FAO rooftop vegetable garden exemplifies how innovative technology and community collaboration can drive urban sustainability and biodiversity. As a model for future initiatives, it highlights the profound impact of integrating smart technologies in urban farming, promising a greener and more resilient future for offices worldwide!

Read more about the project:

👉 Rooftop farm at FAO HQ

👉 Mountain Partnership Products Initiative

Article written by Nayoung Lee from UNEP based on the interviews with Christopher Breen, Giulia Cavo, and Riccardo Del Citto from FAO.