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FENDI’s Urban Biodiversity Project: Revitalizing Rome’s Endangered Pine Forest

May 23, 2024

Luxury fashion house FENDI has once again demonstrated its dedication to environmental conservation and social responsibility by partnering with sustainability consultancy AzzeroCO2 and social cooperative La Nuova Arca for an inspiring urban biodiversity project. In honor of the International Day for Biological Diversity, this initiative aims to revitalize the centuries-old pine forest in Falcognana, just outside Rome, showcasing FENDI's commitment to making a positive impact on both the environment and the community.

FENDI's recent achievements in sustainability, such as the use of recycled materials in its iconic Baguette bag and the launch of its first sustainable collection, have set the stage for this groundbreaking collaboration. By joining forces with AzzeroCO2, a society founded by Legambiente and Kyoto Club, and La Nuova Arca, a foster home dedicated to assisting women, children, migrants, and refugees on their path towards integration, FENDI is taking a holistic approach to environmental and social responsibility.

The endangered pine forest in Falcognana, threatened by an infective parasite, serves as the perfect canvas for this urban biodiversity project. The initiative focuses on healing the sick pines while restoring flora diversity through the planting of 14 holm oak trees and 180 other plant species native to the region. This carefully curated selection of vegetation not only re-establishes and enhances local biodiversity but also creates a botanical garden that contributes to the well-being of the community.

What sets this project apart is the involvement of La Nuova Arca, which brings an added layer of social value to the initiative. The outdoor spaces created by the project will serve as ecological and educational tools for the residents of the cooperative's family home, who will actively participate in the care of the new flora as part of their highly didactic activities. This hands-on approach fosters a sense of responsibility and connection to the environment among the community members.

FENDI's two-year commitment to this project demonstrates the brand's dedication to making a lasting impact on both the environment and society. By involving its employees through volunteer activities, such as the one held on International Earth Day (April 22), FENDI is not only revitalizing the pine forest but also cultivating a culture of sustainability and community engagement within the company.

This urban biodiversity project is a testament to FENDI's ongoing efforts to support environmental conservation and social responsibility in Italy. As part of LVMH's broader pledge to support the preservation or restoration of 5 million hectares (50,000 sq. km) of habitat by 2030, FENDI's initiative in Falcognana serves as a shining example of how luxury fashion brands can make a positive difference in the world.