Sa.Gest inaugurates Pompeii’s new sacred forest: sustainability and historical enhancement

On March 14, on the occasion of National Landscape Day, the Pompeii Archaeological Park saw the inauguration of the Sacred Wood, an ambitious project carried out with the contribution of Sa.gest S.r.l. This intervention, which combines technology and sustainability, marks an important advance in the protection and enhancement of the area’s natural and historical heritage.

A meaningful reforestation project

The Sacred Wood covers an area of more than 10,000 square meters. Here the project included the planting of 675 new plants selected from those of the so-called Flora Pompeiana, or tree and shrub species believed to have been present in ancient Pompeii. This intervention not only enriches local biodiversity, but also helps to preserve a historical link to the site’s past.

A new inclusive pathway

The Sacred Grove, located in the southeastern part of the park near the ancient amphitheater, offers an alternative green route that is accessible to all. This route, equipped with rest and recreation areas, allows visitors to explore the ancient city in an inclusive way, welcoming families, children and people with disabilities.

Our commitment to making Pompeii accessible and engaging is nothing new. Already in 2017, as part of the “A Night in Pompeii” project desired by Minister Franceschini, Sa.gest S.r.l. inaugurated an innovative nighttime route for visiting the excavations. In collaboration with Enel Sole, Sa.gest S.r.l. created LED lighting integrated with audio and video systems for projections, all manageable remotely, transforming the night visit into a unique emotional experience.

Positive environmental impact

The reforestation project, which we have wholeheartedly espoused, will have a significant environmental impact. When fully operational, the new plants will absorb up to 121 tons of CO2 over 20 years, filter up to 351 kg of PM10 per year, and release up to 88 tons of oxygen over the same period. These figures highlight our commitment to combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.

Arbolia Certificate – March 2022 It is attested that SAGEST S.r.l. contributed to the establishment of a 675-plant urban forest at the Pompeii Archaeological Park and its maintenance for 2 years.

Collaboration and inclusion

The inauguration of the Sacred Wood was attended by Park Director Gabriel Zuchtriegel, along with Matteo Tanteri, Sole Administrator of Arbolia, Carlo Grieco, General Manager of Sa.gest s.r.l., Giovanni Minucci of the Social Cooperative Il Tulipano and students from the “E. Pascal” High School.

“We are very proud of our collaboration with Arbolia and the Archaeological Park of Pompeii — explains Carlo Grieco, CEO of Sa.gest S.r.l. – The project, launched in 2022, was promoted by Sa.gest with great enthusiasm and with the conviction that we can act concretely for the environment and biodiversity in our target territories. We are happy to deliver to the community and the planet a place of such great Beauty.”

During the event, inclusive activities involving young adults with cognitive disabilities were held, demonstrating the importance of our social as well as environmental commitment.

A green and sustainable future

The Sacred Wood is part of an extensive program to reforest and promote biodiversity at sites in the Pompeii Archaeological Park. In collaboration with Arbolia, we will be responsible for the planting and maintenance of 675 plants and support the company created to develop new green areas in Italy in various activities as a sponsor.

The Sacred Wood of Pompeii is thus just a first step that is an example of how collaboration between archaeology, nature and social responsibility can lead to extraordinary results. Sagest is proud to be part of this project that celebrates Pompeii’s history and culture while promoting sustainability and environmental protection.