How olive trees sow hope in Salento: Our partnership with OlivaMi
When 21 Million Olive Trees Die…
The Salento region in Apulia, Italy, was once known for its vast, green olive groves that shaped the landscape and formed the economic backbone of the region. But since 2013, the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa—also known as the fire bacterium—has severely affected this idyllic scene. It clogs the trees’ water-conducting vessels, causing them to dry out and eventually die. The disease, known as “Olive Quick Decline Syndrome” (OQDS), has already infected millions of trees and caused immense economic damage.
Salento, the peninsula where the bacterium first appeared in Europe, has been hit particularly hard. The rapid spread of the disease has led to the withering of many olive groves, transforming not only the landscape but also impacting the local economy and culture. But where others saw only destruction, we saw an opportunity to give back.
Our Answer? Sustainability as a Genuine Responsibility
At OutOfOffice, we are proud to be one of the first climate-neutral event locations in Germany. For years, we have been consistently committed to sustainability and have already implemented numerous measures to minimize our carbon footprint. But for us, climate neutrality is not a final goal—it’s an ongoing process of action and improvement.
In collaboration with the non-profit organization OlivaMi, we have adopted new olive trees in Salento (Italy) to create new life where nature has suffered.
Our decision to adopt olive trees is an act of responsibility and commitment. Through this initiative, we are not only contributing to the reforestation and ecological revival of Salento but also supporting the local community and promoting sustainable agriculture in the region.
More about our olive tree garden
Why Salento?
Our co-founder and managing director, Chiara Oliva, was born and raised in Lecce, Italy, and is deeply connected to her home region of Salento. After a successful career in global marketing and founding OutOfOffice in Germany, she returned to Lecce with her husband, Georg Sauter, and their two children. Georg, whose roots are in Germany but whose heart is deeply tied to Italy, decided with Chiara to invest in the future of Salento.
“Planting new olive trees is not just a symbolic gesture but also an act of resistance and hope for our children: We want to breathe life back into a wounded land, strengthen its roots, and build a future where Salento can bloom again, stronger than ever before.”
Chiara Oliva, Co-founder and Managing Director of OutOfOffice
OlivaMi: Hope for Salento’s Olive Groves Through Sustainable Reforestation
OlivaMi is a non-profit organization that offers a symbol of hope amid this crisis. The organization is dedicated to reforesting the olive groves in Salento destroyed by Xylella fastidiosa. By planting resistant olive varieties like Leccino and Favolosa, OlivaMi is working to restore the landscape and strengthen local agriculture. Those who adopt an olive tree directly contribute to the revival of the region and receive high-quality, organic olive oil annually as a token of appreciation.
This initiative not only provides a sustainable solution for the environment but also supports the local economy and preserves traditional agricultural practices.
Sustainability Starts with a Decision
For us at OutOfOffice, sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s a mindset and a promise to actively contribute to protecting our planet. Our partnership with OlivaMi is another step in our effort to drive positive change and provide our guests with meeting and event locations that are not only inspiring but also environmentally friendly.
What are you doing to take responsibility? Let’s set new standards together: Together, we can minimize the carbon footprint of events and make a positive impact on our environment.
Learn more about our sustainability strategy
Meeting sustainably. Shaping the future.
