News

Reforestation efforts in Montiferru, led by MEDSEA, are back on track. Following the planting of the first 5 hectares of olive trees, holm oaks, and Mediterranean shrubs, the focus now shifts to melliferous plants to create a "Forest for Bees." 

In recent weeks, the MEDSEA team, coordinated by Maria Francesca Nonne, the campaign lead for "A Forest for Bees," has begun preparing the land on the upper northwestern slope of Colle Santa Vittoria in Sennariolo. Around 3,000 seedlings are being planted across 1 hectare, with work set to conclude in the next two months. 

The selected plants for the nectar-rich forest, dedicated to bees and natural pollinators, include small species like lavender, rosemary, and helichrysum, as well as medium-sized species such as buckthorn, strawberry tree, blackthorn, and sweet broom. These are interspersed with native plants like rockrose, spike lavender, myrtle, and heather to enhance the site’s biodiversity. 

“We carefully chose species best suited to thrive in this wind-exposed area with predominantly rocky soils, featuring pockets of earth between outcrops. These plants are also resilient to the effects of climate change,” explained Nonne. The initiative aims to regenerate the Montiferru area, devastated by a massive fire in July 2021, and to rehabilitate one of its hardest-hit communities, Sennariolo. Beyond restoring the green ecosystem, the project seeks to support biodiversity and the survival of bees and other pollinators, which are severely threatened by climate change. 

“One of the most striking consequences of wildfires of this scale, and of fires in general, is the silence that comes from the absence of life," Nonne continued. "To restore balance—particularly for pollinators but also for birdlife—we need plants that disappear after fires, often replaced by aggressive, albeit useful, species like rockrose. This intervention accelerates the process of reestablishing that balance.” 

To address recent years' lack of rainfall, five small reservoirs have been installed in the area to provide water for insects during critical periods. 

Pollinators, especially bees, play a crucial role in the reproductive and productive cycles of wild and agricultural plants. They transport pollen from the male to the female parts of flowers, enabling reproduction and the production of fruit and seeds essential for humans and animals. Without them, one-third of flowering plants would fail to produce seeds, drastically reducing the availability of fruits and vegetables and causing severe disruptions to supply chains and global food security. 

“The ‘A Forest for Bees’ campaign aims to recreate the ideal conditions to support bees and other pollinators, which are fundamental for ecosystem maintenance and food security,” added Piera Pala, president of the MEDSEA Foundation. 

The campaign in Sennariolo is supported by local and international companies and initiatives such as Roamers, Patagonia, Extreme E, PlanBee for Despar Sardegna, and CoopAgri Sardegna. Through collaborations with these stakeholders, the campaign not only protects pollinators but also raises awareness about the importance of biodiversity and reforestation in combating climate change. The ultimate goal is to establish a total of 15 hectares of bee forests across Sardinia. "Every contribution, no matter how small, is a step toward a more sustainable future. The call for donors is open," Pala emphasized.