Restoring ecosystems while supporting industry in Tuscany
In the beautiful Pisan hills of Tuscany, near Rosignano, lies Santa Luce Lake. A compelling example of nature-positive impact exists within the industry.
Solvay built this freshwater reservoir in the 1960s to supply its large chemical plant nearby. Remarkably, this industrial basin has since grown into a critical biodiversity hotspot. Today, Santa Luce Lake has two important roles. It supports key industrial activities and also protects a nature reserve.
The lake and its surrounding land now cover an impressive 525 hectares. This total area includes a 105-hectare water surface. People originally farmed this land, but now they protect it as the Regional Nature Reserve of Santa Luce Lake.
A shift in purpose, guided by science and partnership
The lake's transformation began with a partnership in 1992. Solvay started a collaboration with BirdLife International Italy (LIPU) to manage the site as a nature oasis. This ensured ecological priorities became central to the site’s long-term planning.
The area's environmental value was soon clear. The European Union confirmed its significance, designating it a Natura 2000 site, a special protected area.
"Few would have expected a reservoir built purely for industrial needs to become a major biodiversity hotspot," says Nicolas Dugenetay, Rosignano Site Manager. "But dedicated science, rigorous monitoring, and consistent collaboration made this transformation possible."
The Santa Luce Lake Nature Reserve is home to many plants and animal species. It has over 200 bird species and more than 2,000 types of plant and animal life. They thrive in a diverse mosaic of wetlands and meadows. The lake is especially crucial because its strategic position along a major migratory route makes it a critical stopover.
This commitment goes beyond wildlife. The site hosts a Visitor Centre and is a vibrant space for environmental education. It welcomes schools and local communities for tours, workshops, and courses focused on nature conservation.
Climate pressure and proactive water resource management
This careful balance between ecology and operations faces growing pressure from climate change. The region's seasonal droughts have become stronger. Sometimes, this forces the Rosignano plant to stop taking water supply from the lake completely. These events require complex adjustments to production planning.
"Our continuous challenge is to safeguard the lake's ecological health while ensuring water availability for the plant," Nicolas explains. "It’s a dynamic situation that demands constant monitoring and agile coordination."
Solvay saw that protecting freshwater meant finding a new supply. Their solution was the ARETUSA project. This smart partnership with nearby towns allows Solvay to take municipal wastewater. They treat it and then reuse it at the factory.
This circular thinking paid off. The project now replaces up to several million cubic meters of water annually with the recycled water. This move cut the factory's amount of water use by over 30%. This is a critical step in biodiversity protection and overall water resources management.
A long-term commitment, grounded in practice
Solvay’s Santa Luce work has been formally recognized. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognized the project in its report. The report has the title "Engaging industry in conserving nature." It highlights the project as a great example of successful corporate action for biodiversity.
We treat this validation as part of a sound process, not the final goal. They manage the Santa Luce reserve as a real ecological system. More than just a symbol.
The management team enforces strict rules on the site, similar to those in industrial operations. This includes clear data collection, strong long-term planning, and ongoing monitoring.
"This is not about visibility," Nicolas asserts. "It’s about making decisions that are technically sound, environmentally responsible, and resilient over time.
This is an important part of our promise. We want to connect our work to the long-term health of the Tuscan landscape. We also value its important biodiversity.
The Santa Luce Lake project shows how strong partnerships and science-based land management can change industrial sites. It turns them into healthy natural resources. This sets a good example for responsible industrial management and helps reduce biodiversity loss.