Authors: Marco Fillipo Gabbana, Facilities Assistant and Marina Codara, Facilities Assistant.

Healthy ecosystems are essential to the way our planet functions, supporting everything from food systems and water supplies to climate resilience and biodiversity. As pressures from urbanisation, climate change and intensive land use continue to grow, protecting and restoring nature has never been more critical.

Through targeted partnerships in Italy, Macro is supporting practical, science-led initiatives that restore ecosystems, protect biodiversity and deliver measurable environmental impact.

A focus on biodiversity and ecosystem restoration

Biodiversity underpins healthy ecosystems, from food production and clean water to climate resilience. Yet it is declining at an unprecedented rate due to urbanisation, deforestation, pollution, climate change and intensive agriculture.

To help address this challenge, Macro is supporting two organisations in Italy that are actively working to restore and protect flora and fauna, combining scientific approaches, innovation and community engagement to deliver measurable environmental outcomes.

Protecting pollinators and ecosystems with 3Bee

Founded in 2017, 3Bee is a nature-tech organisation addressing biodiversity decline through the use of data, technology and collaboration. Its work focuses on protecting pollinators, species that are vital to ecosystems, food security and climate stability.

3Bee regenerates habitats by creating and monitoring biodiversity environments, enabling organisations to actively contribute to ecosystem restoration. Through scientific measurement, technological tools and engagement programmes, these initiatives support real biodiversity impact rather than symbolic action.

Restoring olive groves with OlivaMi

Macro is also supporting the restoration of Salento’s olive groves, many of which have been severely affected by Xylella fastidiosa.

OlivaMi promotes a sustainable and participatory approach to olive cultivation by enabling individuals and organisations to adopt Salento olive trees remotely. These adoptions directly support reforestation efforts, protect local biodiversity and help preserve an important part of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

The environmental impact is significant:

• Each hectare of olive trees removes 75 tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere every year
• This equates to approximately 300 kg of CO₂ per olive tree, per year

The initiative also produces certified-origin, high-quality extra virgin olive oil using techniques designed to achieve zero environmental impact.

From ESG commitments to tangible impact

These initiatives reflect Macro’s commitment to sustainability and responsible business. They demonstrate our belief that ESG should deliver meaningful outcomes supporting environmental resilience, encouraging collective responsibility and everlasting impact.

As a tangible outcome of these partnerships, the honey and olive oil produced through the supported hives and olive trees will be available to colleagues in our Milan office over the coming year, helping connect our environmental commitments with everyday experience.

Learn more about ESG at Macro here.