Learning from Nature. Planting hope at Campo dei Fiori
November 4th, 2024
Today, we want to take a moment to update you on United Ventures’ ongoing collaboration with ClimatePartner, now in its second year, as we continue along our climate action journey. Our partnership is woven from multiple initiatives, from raising environmental awareness in our office to measuring and reducing our carbon footprint. On October 15, 2024, we had the privilege of participating in ClimatePartner’s annual event at Parco Campo dei Fiori—a Lombardy Region project that we support as part of our carbon offsetting initiatives. This event was designed to deepen our understanding of how climate change impacts biodiversity and forest health, focusing on the severe effects of the 2017 fire, the 2020 Alex windstorm, and the ongoing bark beetle infestation.
The event offered insights into the restoration work underway at Parco Campo dei Fiori, a “green lung” for the Varese region. Co-financed by ClimatePartner and the Lombardy Region’s “Biodiversity and Climate” call, this project is vital for biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation. By engaging the private sector, this initiative advances the Biodiversity Priority Actions Plan (PAF) and the Regional Strategy for Biodiversity, building ecosystem resilience in response to growing environmental pressures.
Field experts guided us on-site, sharing how storms, fires, and invasive species have damaged large areas of Monte Campo dei Fiori. Our day included hands-on tree planting with native species—an essential step in rebuilding forest resilience and biodiversity. Restoration efforts include felling dead trees, clearing downed wood, replanting species such as silver fir, yew, and beech, and creating protected planting cores to safeguard young saplings from wildlife.
This experience was a powerful reminder of how collaboration can address critical climate and biodiversity challenges. The recent COP16 biodiversity conference in Cali, Colombia, reinforced this urgency, with global leaders recognizing the profound link between climate change and biodiversity loss. Our work at Parco Campo dei Fiori echoes the conference’s call for greater global investment in biodiversity protection as climate pressures mount.
The feel of earth between our fingers, the sight of saplings taking root—these tangible moments resonated deeply with us. Planting trees is a simple yet ancient and meaningful act. Standing on land scarred by fires, storms, and beetle infestations, we weren’t just spectators; we were hands-on participants in the forest’s recovery. Working alongside experts gave us a deeper understanding of nature’s resilience and the meticulous, patient work of restoring biodiversity. Witnessing the careful planning required to reestablish native species, protect young plants from grazing, and enhance the area’s biodiversity reminded us how interconnected all forms of life truly are.
We left with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that each tree we planted contributes to a healthier, more balanced natural world. Restoration is not something with immediate, visible results—it’s long-term work, with impacts that will come to fruition in 10, 20, even 30 years. But that’s the point. We must foster climate consciousness, awareness, and action not for today, but for the future—for our children and generations to come.
Through this partnership with Parco Campo dei Fiori and ClimatePartner, we’re proud to be part of a meaningful, enduring commitment to climate action in alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals 13 and 17. Sustainability is a journey, and we are dedicated to building a future where both climate and biodiversity can thrive.
Our journey with ClimatePartner includes a five-step action plan: measuring our corporate carbon footprint; setting clear reduction targets for Scope 1 and 2 emissions within a year of our July 2024 certification; investing in certified climate projects aligned with net-zero goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals; and maintaining transparency through our ClimatePartner certification (ID SVDA34), details of which can be found at this link.
To learn more about our commitment and projects, visit the Sustainability section of our website. Together, we can create a legacy of climate and environmental stewardship for future generations.
