Danone Ecosystem: 15 Years Supporting Vulnerable Communities

Danone Ecosystem's 15-year journey demonstrates how corporate-backed initiatives could address critical challenges in food systems and community health.

Launched in 2009 amid the global financial crisis, the non-profit organisation has evolved from a crisis response into a long-term vehicle for supporting vulnerable populations and strengthening local infrastructure.

Its recently published 15-Year Anniversary Report details the scale of impact achieved through collaborative projects spanning agriculture, waste management and healthcare delivery.

Nathalie Alquier, Chief Sustainability Officer at Danone and President of Danone Ecosystem, writes on LinkedIn: “Danone Ecosystem is a non-profit organization that drives initiatives that go beyond Danone’s value chain to contribute to building inclusive, circular, healthy and sustainable food systems.

“I am truly impressed by the change it has sparked over the years. For more than 15 years, Danone Ecosystem has been empowering communities, strengthening healthcare systems and protecting nature through more than 100 concrete projects.

“With rising geopolitical instability and accelerating climate change, the need for initiatives like Danone Ecosystem to support people and the planet is stronger than ever.”

Transforming food and health systems

Danone Ecosystem's core mission centres on transforming future food and health systems by making value chains healthy, circular, sustainable, regenerative and inclusive.

The organisation directs its efforts towards smallholder farmers, waste pickers, healthcare professionals and local communities, providing knowledge, technical expertise and financial support to address challenges including unsustainable farming practices, poor waste management, limited healthcare access and barriers facing small businesses.

Laurent Sacchi, Chair of the Danone Ecosystem Board, says: “Fifteen years down the line, in the context of even greater geopolitical uncertainty and accelerating climate change – placing unprecedented pressure on food systems – the imperative for renewed efforts to restore the health of both people and the planet, through vehicles like Danone Ecosystem, is stronger than ever.

“With an approach based on scientific rigor, partnership and transparent and independent impact assessments, Danone Ecosystem is driving impact in four focus areas: regenerative agriculture, watershed protection, inclusive collection and health.

“As Danone Ecosystem celebrates its first 15 years, we take pride in the impact achieved so far: more than a tool for philanthropy and more than a laboratory, Danone Ecosystem has become a catalyst for resilience, proving that tangible impact, through science-based, collaborative initiatives is possible – and essential.”

Measurable impact across continents

Between 2009 and 2024, Danone Ecosystem has launched more than 100 projects alongside 92 partners, co-investing €248m (US$260m) and directly impacting 6.1 million people with its funding and solutions.

Projects include training smallholder farmers in sustainable practices such as herd management, animal welfare and polyculture.

The organisation also supports inclusive plastic collection systems aimed at reducing pollution and improving conditions for waste pickers, with current projects focused mainly on PET collection and plans to expand to other materials and additional countries.

In healthcare, Danone Ecosystem works to build resilient, holistic and inclusive care systems rooted in real-life needs, with particular emphasis on nutrition.

The organisation supports the health of women and children across all life stages, building family-centred care models that strengthen local healthcare systems through perinatal support, nutrition education and targeted interventions delivered in close collaboration with local communities and organisations.

Antoine De Saint-Affrique, CEO of Danone, says: “Building a resilient food system is one of today’s greatest challenges.

“Danone Ecosystem, grounded in Danone’s dual project, shows that progress happens through collaboration – with farmers, NGOs and communities.

“It enables actions beyond Danone’s operations, strengthening society and driving the systemic change needed for a sustainable future.”

Real-world applications and results

Among Danone Ecosystem's initiatives is Les 2 Pieds Sur Terre in France, where farmers benefit from greenhouse gas emissions analysis.

Participants receive personalised support through group training led by agricultural experts, alongside financial support from the programme coalition to help embed regenerative practices.

According to the programme, 1,654 farms have undergone a carbon audit and 53% of dairy farmers have conducted comprehensive evaluations of their practices and soils, leading to a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in kg CO₂ equivalent per litre of milk collected between 2016 and 2022.

In Romania, Danone Ecosystem supports the Health for Mothers and Babies (SAMAS) project, which promotes breastfeeding practices for child and maternal health.

Since 2016, SAMAS has trained around 2,500 perinatal educators and supported more than 36,000 mothers and parents, demonstrating how the organisation facilitates resilient care systems that are holistic, inclusive and grounded in real-life health needs.