To mark UNESCO World Olive Tree Day 2024, the non-profit organisations A.M.O. Puglia (Alberi Monumentali di Ostuni) and Save the Olives ONLUS have taken a bold step in the fight to save Puglia’s iconic monumental olive trees. In a historic announcement, the world’s first Preservation Zone and Monumental Olive Tree Park has been unveiled in Ostuni, Italy—a beacon of hope for these ancient trees under threat from the deadly Xylella fastidiosa bacteria.
A Haven for Puglia’s Heritage
This pioneering project, spanning an initial 25 hectares, serves as a green sanctuary for the monumental olive trees that have long defined Puglia’s landscape. Managed by A.M.O. Puglia, the preservation zone brings together private landowners who have committed to this shared mission, with plans to expand the park to over 100 hectares. The ultimate goal is to counteract the devastating effects of Xylella fastidiosa, which has already destroyed 21 million olive trees in the region.
The preservation zone, named A.M.O. Alberi Monumentali di Ostuni, not only aims to protect these trees but also aspires to become a global model for biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism. With ambitions to join the UNESCO Green Citizens programme in 2025, the initiative is a shining example of community-led conservation.
A Collaborative Effort
The monumental olive trees, some of which are over 2,500 years old, are a vital part of Puglia’s cultural, environmental, and economic heritage. The preservation zone is supported by a wide range of local stakeholders, including farmers, agronomists, tourism experts, agricultural cooperatives, and volunteers.
Paul Bernie, President of A.M.O. Puglia, highlights the significance of this initiative: “This preservation zone for the olive trees, the first of its kind globally, is a powerful example of community action to protect the local landscape and traditions. The monumental olive trees in Puglia are a global cultural, economic, and environmental treasure.”
A Call to Action
The organisations behind this ambitious project are urging the public to join the fight to save Puglia’s olive trees:
Donate: Support A.M.O. Puglia’s crowdfunding campaign, which aims to raise €300,000 for urgent grafting and land management efforts.
Lobby: Advocate for preventive grafting to be included in EU plant protection policies.
Amplify: Spread awareness using the hashtag #PreserveTheOliveTrees and share the message across social media platforms.
The Race Against Time
Cosimo Leone, a leading agronomist and founding member of A.M.O. Puglia, emphasises the urgency of the situation: “Immediate action is required. We have a small window of two to three years before it is too late. We are committed to preserving this unique world heritage to avoid an incalculable ecological, cultural, and economic tragedy.”
A Blueprint for the Future
The preservation zone also sets a precedent for landowners and local authorities to establish their own conservation areas, supported by training in grafting techniques proven to protect trees from Xylella.
Patrizio Ziggiotti, General Secretary of Save the Olives, underscores the importance of collaboration: “This project demonstrates the effectiveness of early intervention through grafting as the only available solution to preserve the monumental olive trees. Together, we can turn the tide on this crisis.”
Join the Mission
Visit amopuglia.com to learn more about the preservation zone, donate, or take action to help save Puglia’s monumental olive trees.
As the world comes together to celebrate UNESCO World Olive Tree Day, this initiative serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to protect our shared cultural and natural heritage. Puglia’s olive trees are more than just trees—they are a testament to the region’s history, resilience, and timeless beauty.
Find out more here.
Pilot PR is an award-winning integrated public relations & communications agency working with established and emerging brands across the travel, luxury lifestyle, beauty, spa and wellness sectors. We are delighted to be supporting A.M.O. Puglia in their mission to save the olive trees. Read more of our content here.
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