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Lagardère Travel Retail – ‘WOWNature’ – Taking action towards the regeneration of the Venetian lagoon ecosystem
In a resounding commitment to environmental sustainability, Lagardère Travel Retail Italy embarked on a transformative journey with its WOWnature initiative dedicated to regenerating the Venetian lagoon ecosystem. This strategic project, executed in partnership with Etifor Benefit Corporation and University of Padua, encapsulates Lagardère’s dedication to the ‘Planet’ pillar of its corporate social responsibility strategy, PEPS.
With the ambitious objective of restoring one of Italy’s biggest green lungs, the retailer fostered collaboration between public administrations, companies and citizens. The company channeled substantial efforts and nearly €90,000 (US$96,970) into forest regeneration and biodiversity preservation along the water banks of Lio Piccolo, a town in the Venetian lagoon. It is located near Venice Marco Polo Airport, where Lagardère Travel Retail Italy operates 20 stores.
The 15-hectare area, once a thriving fishing valley, faced decades of abandonment, impacting autochthonous species due to the absence of trees affecting water temperatures and biodiversity. Lagardère’s intervention aimed not only to revive this neglected region but also to create a lasting impact on the environmental footprint of its operations.
The retailer aims to create a lasting impact on the Venetian lagoon ecosystem through regeneration
On 15 April, Lagardère Travel Retail Italy organised a special event at the Lio Piccolo site, inviting colleagues and their families to plant 5,000 trees. This marked the beginning of an initiative that aims to plant 50,000 trees over the next five years.
The long-term vision includes the development of 100,000+ fish in a decade, enhancing biodiversity along the banks of the Venetian lagoon. The planted trees serve as a protective forest, shielding the waters from extreme weather conditions and volatile predators typical of the region.
This ecological approach not only maintains ideal water temperatures for fish colonies but also reinforces the banks through the roots of these strategically planted trees.
Lagardère Travel Retail Italy’s adoption of 5,010 trees translates to the absorption of 13,923kg of CO2, underscoring the company’s commitment to tangible and measurable environmental impact.
The collaboration with Etifor extends beyond the initial project, as the retailer actively explores opportunities for new reforestation projects near the airports in Rome and Naples. These efforts align with the company’s broader range of eco-sustainable initiatives, including the use of recyclable paper bags sourced from responsibly managed forests (since 2022).
Lagardère Travel Retail Italy is poised to contribute significantly to the global commitment to reduce plastic usage. The WOWNature initiative stands as a testament to its dedication in making a positive and lasting impact on the environment, embodying the essence of responsible corporate citizenship.
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