Istituto Oikos is a lay and independent association that works in Europe and in the developing countries to promote environmental conservation as tool of socio-economic development.

Established in Milan (Italy) in 1996 on initiative of a team of biologists and naturalists, Istituto Oikos has specialized from its inception in the environmental field with projects on biodiversity conservation, sustainable management of natural resources, land management planning, databases design, habitat evaluation and suitability models and development of decision-making support systems.

Istituto Oikos’ approach is based on the principle that a well conserved environment is a guarantee of health and wellness for current and future generations. To define and enforce strategies and methods of sustainable development and rational use of natural resources, Oikos collaborates, at local and international level, both in Europe and in the developing countries, with public and private authorities, such as Ministries, Regional Authorities, Districts, national parks, scientific institutes and civil society organizations.

Since 1999 Istituto Oikos is steadily present in Eastern Africa, with a local office, Oikos East Africa, registered in Arusha, Tanzania. In this context Oikos has defined and carried out an integrated approach to support nature’s conservation throughout education and training programs, planning and participant management of environmental resources and enhancements of the water, the energy and the education sectors, with special attention on promoting women’s socio-economic conditions. At the same time, to contribute in fighting poverty, Oikos supports the growth and the reinforcement of small income generating activities based on the sustainable use of natural resources.

Today, Istituto Oikos is working in Europe, South Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America in key areas of biodiversity, with programs within or at close proximity to many parks and natural reserves, where it operates side by side with institutional partners and local communities.

At the same time, Istituto Oikos promotes and participates at educational campaigns on environment and development to spread a more sustainable lifestyle and to inform about North-South interdependence, with particular fucus on desertification, responsible tourism, energy and climate change issues.

Our Vision:

A future where Ecology Economy and Equity work together to reconcile men and nature.

Our Mission

Expertise, innovation and participation to protect the ecosystems and promote development.