Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, today announced a partnership with Hometree, an environmental charity, to accelerate the regeneration of Atlantic rainforests in Ireland. Launched at Hometree’s site in Avoca, the partnership includes a €90k investment from Alexion to support the reintroduction of rainforest ecosystems across eighteen acres of agricultural land in the Maam Valley, Connemara, Co. Galway.
Once covering 80% of Ireland, natural forests have experienced significant decline over the centuries from agriculture, fuel, and timber industries, leading to significant deforestation. Today less than 1% of Ireland’s ancient woodland cover remains and with only a few fragments of that being Atlantic rainforest, this project will help to restore this globally important habitat.
Within five years of starting the project, early signs of woodland regeneration are expected to be visible, alongside restored peatlands, heath, and species-rich grasslands. After fifteen years, the landscape is predicted to increasingly resemble its original natural state, the most striking feature being the abundance and lushness of mosses, liverworts (collectively known as bryophytes) and ferns.
As the rainforest returns, rocks and boulders will be covered in a luxuriant, vibrant mat of mosses and liverworts or Filmy Ferns (Hymenophyllum species), as will the trunks and branches of the trees. This will, in turn, encourage the animals once native in the area to return, such as the pine marten, wood mouse, and tree creeper.
The partnership reflects Alexion’s commitment to sustainability in Ireland, local communities, and its workforce operating across Dublin and Athlone. Recognising the connection between a healthy planet and healthy people, and as part of an overall sustainability strategy, the company is committed to proactively managing its environmental impact, and investing in nature and biodiversity.
The forest regeneration partnership with Hometree, complements AstraZeneca’s global AZ Forest commitment to plant and maintain 200 million trees across six continents by 2030. Working in partnership with planting experts, local communities and governments, AZ Forest projects are designed to build ecological and community resilience.
Shane Doyle, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Operations and Sustainability, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease said: “Whilst we don’t commonly associate Ireland with rainforests, they are a vital part of our heritage, and restoring these ecosystems is essential for the well-being of both present and future generations. Through this partnership with Hometree we are underscoring our commitment to sustainability in Ireland, and taking affirmative action to reinstate ecosystems that will improve biodiversity, human health, and restore our cultural heritage.”
Matt Smith, Chief Executive of Hometree said: “I am thrilled to announce our partnership with Alexion, AstraZeneca to restore Atlantic rainforests in Ireland. Their investment fuels practical action, enabling Hometree to restore ecosystems that benefit us all. There is more investment needed and partnership between industry and not-for-profits is central to that, but today we have made a strong start to building a sustainable future, grounded in real impact.
The partnership is timely and follows the passing of the EU Nature Restoration Law which set a target for the EU to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050.”
The partnership will also provide Alexion and AstraZeneca employees across Ireland with an opportunity to engage with Hometree through educational programs and volunteer opportunities, fostering a sense of stewardship and environmental responsibility among its 1,200 strong workforce across its Dublin and Athlone sites.