Italy is one of Europe’s biodiversity hotspots. With more than 9,000 plant species, over 60,000 animal species, and a high rate of endemism, our country plays a key role in safeguarding this natural wealth.
But human activity and the growing impacts of the climate crisis are putting this heritage under threat: 30% of vertebrates and 25% of marine species are at risk of extinction. And 80% of lakes and 57% of rivers are in poor ecological condition. Taking action to reverse this trend is urgent—and it starts with all of us.
What we do in Italy
For over three decades, Oikos has been working to protect Italy’s biodiversity. We collaborate with public authorities, universities and protected areas to develop joint strategies for environmental conservation. We use Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to address today’s most pressing sustainability challenges—from climate change and water security to land degradation and biodiversity loss.
Here’s how: