Always at the heart of our actions
In a time of climate change, biodiversity conservation has become a vital issue. A true nature lover and aware of the priceless wealth of the land of the La Gacilly of his childhood, Mr Yves Rocher was always aware that it was essential to conserve the precious and fragile balance of the living world. This forward-looking conviction has guided to way we grow our plants and produce our care products with the greatest respect for nature. Today, more than ever, we unceasingly include conservation of biodiversity in the way we work and act, thus proving that responsible beauty is possible.
Conserving plant diversity
Responsible growing and production processes
At La Gacilly, the cradle of our brand and the place we grow our active botanical ingredients, we have striven since our beginnings to conserve this nature which offers us so much in return. Agro-ecology, organic farming, research, etc. we deeply respect the natural rhythms and ecosystems. The way we grow our plants for example (Chamomile, Cornflowers, Calendula, etc.) guarantees their quality while improving soil fertility and increasing the plant diversity of our land. Our 9 emblematic plants are also UEBT* certified (to ensure supplies that respects people and biodiversity) since 30 July 2021. In this context, we have devised a strategy to concretely assess our actions for conserving and preserving biodiversity.
A precious Botanical Garden
Created in 1975, our Botanical Garden, covering 2 hectares of land at La Gacilly, is a true open-air laboratory. We keep and study over 1,500 plant species there and share our knowledge with over 200 Botanical Gardens around the world.
A real treasure, as well as a “Host Garden” for rare and threatened plant species.
This unique place benefits from several certifications, including the Botanical Gardens of France and French-speaking Countries label and membership of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International.
The Yves Rocher Foundation committed for the living world
But our commitment goes well beyond our land at La Gacilly: as the leading patron of the Yves Rocher Foundation, for 30 years we have supported its actions in favor of biodiversity. We are especially proud of having celebrated at its side, the 100 million trees planted around the world thanks to its Plant for Life program.
Its new target: plant 35 million trees by 2025, always choosing species suited to their environment and working with local communities. A way for us to honor the wonderful virtues of trees, a real reservoir of biodiversity which are essential for the life of our beautiful planet.
Contributing to the protection of animal species
Creating a suitable environment
By producing our raw materials with the greatest respect for the living world (agro-ecology, high mowing, sustainable management of hedgerows, non-use of herbicides, etc.), we contribute to increasing the number of plant species, encouraging the multiplication of local fauna (insects, earthworms, birds, etc.).
We have also deployed many systems to protect it: reptile hideouts, bat boxes, butterfly and ladybug shelters, planting of fruit trees, creation of a pond, etc.
Protecting pollinators
Bees are a key link in the cycle of living organisms and that is why we are actively fighting to stop them disappearing. We have thus installed 200 beehives on our 60 hectares of fields of organic flowers or on field edges and on all of our sites.
The result? 10 million bees at La Gacilly, treat us by producing nearly 5 tonnes of honey per year. A delight for the plants and for our taste buds. In Morocco, we also support bee-keeping in 5 villages by creating beehives.
As well as preserving pollinators, this initiative helps women to diversify their activity and improve their living conditions and independence by providing them with a new source of income.
Offering a privileged habitat for birds
100% of our sites as well as our Botanical Garden are LPO-certified Biodiversity Refuges (LPO - League for the Protection of Birds).
For the past 11 years, our commitment to this major association has allowed us to conserve the local ecosystem and identify 82 bird species including 58 nesting species, 28 species of odonates (damselfly family), 57 species of butterflies as well as hares, badgers, etc.
The animals are happy and so are we!
Biodiversity, a common treasure
Committed employees
At Yves Rocher, we are convinced that safeguarding biodiversity is a commitment which involves everyone.
And we are proud of our Biodiversity Sentinels, these members of staff who observe and study the fauna and flora on our land in the Morbihan department while others build structures such as insect spirals or take part in tree planting days around the world with the Yves Rocher Foundation...
Their enthusiasm is catching!
Women caring for the earth
Supporting the Yves Rocher Foundation also means contributing to the projects of exceptional women who commit themselves to working for biodiversity.
Plastic recycling, water management, reforestation, soil regeneration, using bio-waste, etc. Their actions are many and virtuous. And this year, animal biodiversity is being highlighted, since the Terre de Femmes International Award 2022 is dedicated to the subject of “Wild fauna essential for the natural equilibrium”.
We are happy to support the development of their marvelous projects!
Thanks to you
Everything we have achieved tirelessly over many years to safeguard biodiversity, would not be possible without your support. Since, for the purchase of any of our products which are the most environmentally friendly, online or in store, the Yves Rocher Foundation will plant a tree.
Thank you for your commitment at our side!
As has always been the case, we tirelessly seek to protect the fragile balance of the living world, essential for the future of our beautiful planet. And if you too wish to learn more about the magic of nature, come and visit our Botanical Garden or the brand new Biodiversity Observatory of the Yves Rocher Foundation.
We are waiting to welcome you at La Gacilly!