News

The planting operations for the first Forest for Bees installation—a forest for bees—have been completed in Sennariolo (OR). This is a special one-hectare forest dedicated to bees and pollinators, essential insects for food security that have been in global decline for decades. 

Alaterno, blackthorn, lavender, rosemary, broom, and helichrysum—around 1,500 plants in total—have been planted on the Santa Vittoria hill in Sennariolo (OR), all nectar-producing species typical of the Mediterranean scrub. This area was severely affected by the major Montiferru wildfire in July 2021, which devastated the local vegetation. Shelters (protective structures) and water basins (artificial ponds that retain water and allow insects to drink and survive) help maintain optimal conditions in a windy area of Sardinia that, like the rest of the Mediterranean, is facing rising temperatures and increasing drought due to climate change. 

The site also includes a specially designed pathway to welcome groups of students from local schools. 

Maria Francesca Nonne, forest expert and campaign manager for Forest For Bees at the MEDSEA Foundation, explains the project: "We aimed to preserve what was already there by designing a naturalistic planting—clusters of native, nectar-producing plants that had regenerated after the fire—complemented by small, wind-resistant plants that also benefit birdlife, such as the strawberry tree." 

Globally, pollinator populations are in decline. Among them, bees play a key role in maintaining natural balance and ensuring food security. Bees are responsible for pollinating one-third of global crops and about 75% of all living plant species on the planet. Without this process, the availability of fruit, vegetables, nuts, and many seeds would drop drastically, with direct consequences for food security. 

Since the 1990s, beehives have experienced dangerous mass die-offs, with at least a quarter of bee species in global decline. 

 
MEDSEA’s goal is to create 15 hectares of nectar-producing forests distributed throughout Sardinia, beginning with the repopulation of one of the areas most affected by the Montiferru fire in July 2021. 

This campaign has received support from global companies such as Patagonia and Roamers, as well as local ones like Copagri Oristano and Despar. 

 
More donors are needed to expand these forests across Sardinia: join the campaign.