Inditex signs €15m agreement with Conservation International to scale regenerative agricultural systems

Inditex, the fashion retail group behind Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho and Zara Home has signed a significant €15 million agreement with Conservation International, the global nonprofit environmental organization. The purpose of Inditex's contribution is to expand and scale the work of the Regenerative Fund for Nature – launched in 2021 by Conservation International and Kering with the goal of transforming 1,000,000 hectares of crop and rangelands into regenerative agricultural systems by 2026.�

The investment will work to enhance sustainability in the fashion industry, which is fundamentally dependent on agriculture for its raw materials. From cotton to wool, or leather to cashmere, most clothing begins on a farm or rangeland. Agriculture is also a significant driver of impacts on nature. Regenerative agricultural practices therefore offer a unique solution and have the ability to restore nature and yield environmental benefits. When done correctly, these farming and grazing practices increase soil fertility and function, restore water cycles, enhance biodiversity, and store carbon.�

Conservation International's fund will continue to prioritize projects that advance regenerative outcomes, with Inditex's investment focusing on regenerative practices in the areas of man-made cellulosic fibres and cotton. Grants will go to farming groups, project leaders, NGOs and other stakeholders who are ready to test, prove and scale regenerative practices, which focus on working in harmony with natural systems.

Funds allocated to this collaboration come from Inditex's #BRINGYOURBAG initiative – following the elimination of plastic shopping bags, in 2021, Inditex commenced charging customers for single use paper shopping bags to encourage the use of reusable bags. Full proceeds generated through the shopping bag charge initiative are being invested in environmental and social projects in collaboration with non-profit organizations such as Water.org, WWF or Action Social Advancement (ASA), among others.

About Conservation International

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, for biodiversity and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples and local communities to help people and nature thrive together. Go to Conservation.org for more, and follow our work on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

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