We are nature.
Istituto Oikos is a non-profit organization founded on a certainty: safeguarding the environment means supporting the people who depend on it.
That belief has guided us since 1996. Since then, we’ve brought over 400 projects to life across Italy and in 17 countries throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Every day, we work to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable ways of living — for a future that respects both people and planet.
That belief has guided us since 1996. Since then, we’ve brought over 400 projects to life across Italy and in 17 countries throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Every day, we work to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable ways of living — for a future that respects both people and planet.
Our vision
A future where ecology, economy, and equity thrive together — where human needs and the needs of the planet are in harmony.
Our mission
To help preserve ecosystems while supporting development — with professionalism, innovation, and inclusive participation.
Thirty years in service of nature
Oikos was born from a group of biologists and naturalists who shared one mission: to use their knowledge to protect the environment and promote sustainable, inclusive development.
Manifesto
Il nostro nome, “Oikos”, affonda le radici nell’antica Grecia e significa “casa”.
È un richiamo profondo alla nostra visione: la Terra è la casa comune di tutti gli esseri viventi, un luogo dove uomo e natura coesistono in armonia, e in cui le nostre azioni non minacciano l’equilibrio degli ecosistemi, ma contribuiscono a rigenerarli.
È un richiamo profondo alla nostra visione: la Terra è la casa comune di tutti gli esseri viventi, un luogo dove uomo e natura coesistono in armonia, e in cui le nostre azioni non minacciano l’equilibrio degli ecosistemi, ma contribuiscono a rigenerarli.
Governance and Organizational structure
Where we work
With five regional offices across Italy, Oikos promotes sustainable development rooted in local realities.
Our widespread presence ensures that our actions are targeted, effective, and grounded in the communities we serve.
Our widespread presence ensures that our actions are targeted, effective, and grounded in the communities we serve.
Where we operate internationally:
From our local offices in Tanzania, Mozambique, Lebanon, and Southeast Asia, we work side by side with communities to protect natural resources and meet urgent local needs.
From our local offices in Tanzania, Mozambique, Lebanon, and Southeast Asia, we work side by side with communities to protect natural resources and meet urgent local needs.
Foundational documents
Oikos International Alliance
Oikos International Alliance
Istituto Oikos leads a dynamic, informal alliance of organizations tackling today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Rooted in scientific research and driven by shared purpose, the alliance creates space for learning, cooperation, and innovation.
Members exchange knowledge, develop shared tools, and grow together — ready to face ecological emergencies, both local and global.
Rooted in scientific research and driven by shared purpose, the alliance creates space for learning, cooperation, and innovation.
Members exchange knowledge, develop shared tools, and grow together — ready to face ecological emergencies, both local and global.
Active in Tanzania since 1999, officially registered as an NGO in 2009. Based in Arusha and Wete (Pemba, Zanzibar Archipelago).
A non-profit association based in Catania, dedicated to the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems in the Mediterranean.
A social enterprise based in Milan offering innovative environmental solutions and sustainability consulting.
Our Network
Oikos’s commitment to nature and sustainable development is backed by official recognitions and prestigious memberships that confirm our credibility on a national and international level.
• Italian Alliance for Sustainable Development (ASviS)
• ARCI National Civil Service
• Association of Italian NGOs (AOI)
• CoLomba (Lombardy-based NGO network)
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• Officially recognized by the Varese Chamber of Commerce
• Accredited as an environmental protection association under Law 349/86
• Observer status at the UNFCCC since 2022
• Listed in the public registry of Civil Society Organizations under Italian Law 125/2014
• Registered with the National Third Sector Registry (RUNTS) under Legislative Decree 117/2017
• Accredited as an environmental protection association under Law 349/86
• Observer status at the UNFCCC since 2022
• Listed in the public registry of Civil Society Organizations under Italian Law 125/2014
• Registered with the National Third Sector Registry (RUNTS) under Legislative Decree 117/2017
