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What is Danone Ecosystem’s 15-Year Community Impact?
Danone Ecosystem has released a report for its 15th anniversary, showcasing the impact it has had on global food and health systems and communities
In 2009, Danone launched its non-profit organisation Danone Ecosystem in response to the global financial crisis, with the aim of strengthening local communities.
The organisation has released its 15-Year Anniversary Report, which highlights the impact its funding and support has had on millions of people around the world.
Nathalie Alquier, Chief Sustainability Officer at Danone and President of Danone Ecosystem, writes on LinkedIn: “Danone Ecosystem is a non-profit organization that drives initiatives that go beyond Danone’s value chain to contribute to building inclusive, circular, healthy and sustainable food systems.
Nathalie Alquier, Chief Sustainability Officer at Danone and President of Danone Ecosystem
“I am truly impressed by the change it has sparked over the years. For more than 15 years, Danone Ecosystem has been empowering communities, strengthening healthcare systems and protecting nature through over 100 concrete projects.
“With rising geopolitical instability and accelerating climate change, the need for initiatives like Danone Ecosystem to support people and the planet is stronger than ever.”
15-Year anniversary report
Danone Ecosystem’s mission is to transform the food and health system of the future by making the value chain healthy, circular, sustainable, regenerative and inclusive.
The organisation focuses on smallholder farmers, waste pickers, healthcare professionals and local communities.
It provides knowledge, technical expertise and financial support for initiatives that address a wide range of local challenges, including unsustainable farming practices, poor waste management, limited healthcare access and barriers facing small businesses.
Laurent Sacchi, Chair of the Danone Ecosystem Board, says: “Fifteen years down the line, in the context of even greater geopolitical uncertainty and accelerating climate change – placing unprecedented pressure on food systems – the imperative for renewed efforts to restore the health of both people and the planet, through vehicles like Danone Ecosystem, is stronger than ever.
Laurent Sacchi, Chair of the Danone Ecosystem Board
“With an approach based on scientific rigor, partnership and transparent and independent impact assessments, Danone Ecosystem is driving impact in four focus areas: regenerative agriculture, watershed protection, inclusive collection and health.
“As Danone Ecosystem celebrates its first 15 years, we take pride in the impact achieved so far: more than a tool for philanthropy and more than a laboratory, Danone Ecosystem has become a catalyst for resilience, proving that tangible impact, through science-based, collaborative initiatives is possible – and essential.”
Danone Ecosystem’s impact
In its first 15 years, Danone Ecosystem has launched more than 100 projects alongside 92 partners.
It has co-invested €248m (US$.m) and has impacted 6.1 million people directly with its funding and solutions.
Its projects include training smallholder farmers in sustainable practices such as herd management, animal welfare and polyculture.
Danone Ecosystem also supports inclusive plastic collection systems, with the aim of reducing pollution and improving conditions for waste pickers.
Its projects so far have focused mainly on PET collection and it aims to expand to other materials and fund initiatives in more countries.
In healthcare, Danone Ecosystem’s mission is to build resilient, holistic and inclusive care systems which are rooted in real-life needs, with a particular focus on nutrition.
It is working on supporting the health of women and children across all life stages, building family-centred care models that strengthen local healthcare systems.
This work includes perinatal support, nutrition education and targeted interventions, delivered in close collaboration with local communities and organisations.
Antoine De Saint-Affrique, CEO of Danone, says: “Building a resilient food system is one of today’s greatest challenges.
Antoine de Saint-Affrique, Danone's CEO
“Danone Ecosystem, grounded in Danone’s dual project, shows that progress happens through collaboration – with farmers, NGOs and communities.
“It enables actions beyond Danone’s operations, strengthening society and driving the systemic change needed for a sustainable future.”
Projects around the world
One of Danone Ecosystem’s projects is Les 2 Pieds Sur Terre, in which French farmers can benefit from an analysis of their greenhouse gas emissions.
Farmers are given personalised support through group training led by agricultural experts, as well as financial support from the programme coalition to help embed regenerative practices into their farming.
In the project, 1,654 farms have undergone a carbon audit and 53% of dairy farmers have conducted a comprehensive evaluation of their practices and soils.
This has led to a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in kg CO₂ equivalent per litre of milk collected between 2016 and 2022.
SOURCE: SUSTAINABILITY MAGAZINE
