Toute l'actualitéAs an iconic House of the LVMH Group, Hennessy embodies a rich French heritage, exceptional know-how and a strong connection with nature. Considering the need for companies to take efficient action in the short term, the cognac brand is making a significant commitment by investing in projects that have a positive impact on the environment. Since 2020, through its “Forest Destination” program, Hennessy has been contributing to the regeneration of forest ecosystems on behalf of future generations.
Alongside its contribution program for regenerative projects, developed with the support of Reforest'Action, Maison Hennessy is piloting a carbon emissions reduction strategy of up to 50% by 2030*: decarbonization of its activities, energy sobriety and efficiency, minimization of transportation impacts, eco-design... A two-pronged approach which is now essential in order to meet the challenges of the climate emergency.
*on a 2019 basis
Forests at the core of Hennessy's commitments
Since 2020, Reforest'Action has been pleased to support Maison Hennessy in the development of its Forest Destination program, which aims to restore 50,000 hectares of forest ecosystems worldwide by 2030. The collaboration between Maison Hennessy and Reforest'Action, a major player in ecosystem restoration, is based on a shared ambition to act on a large scale. This joint approach focuses on generating positive impacts: for 30 years, all projects financed through this program will be subject to long-term environmental and social impact monitoring.
The embodiment of Maison Hennessy's ambitions
Hennessy's identity is illustrated by its commitment to the Earth and its people. Aware of its responsibility as a global economic player, the 250-year-old brand is stepping up its efforts and setting ambitious targets: to contribute to the regeneration of forest ecosystems and the preservation of human well-being.
"Maison Hennessy has always embraced a long-term view. It has been able to see well ahead into the future. Today, the survival of humanity depends heavily on our ability to meet the colossal challenge of preserving and restoring forest ecosystems. This is a task that goes beyond individual interests. With “Forest Destination”, we want to act, to participate in a collective movement and to make a concrete contribution to the common good," emphasizes Laurent Boillot, President of Maison Hennessy. The idea of its partnership with Reforest'Action is not only to make decisions today, but above all to prepare for tomorrow.
Maison Hennessy's dedication to forests
A special bond unites Maison Hennessy to the forest. Indeed, the encounter between the oak wood barrels and the spirits enables Hennessy cognac to develop its aromas and acquire its woody color. But the company's commitment to preserving forest ecosystems also comes from the understanding of its own forests. In fact, since the 1970s, Hennessy has cultivated the sense of a sustainable and balanced forest management in its French forest estate.
For Hennessy, the fundamental role of forest ecosystems no longer needs to be proven, which is why forests are at the heart of its strategy to restore the Living World. Hennessy therefore seeks to promote and support the various ecosystem services provided by forests around the world, for the benefit of all peoples: mitigating climate change, improving soil quality and fertility, hosting biodiversity, regulating the water cycle, producing resources for local communities, and so on.
Multiple-impact projects developed with Reforest'Action
As Reforest'Action's main contributor since 2020, Hennessy takes part in forest ecosystem regeneration wherever forests are a crucial issue, and thus supports communities whose life depend on them: in France, but also in Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Madagascar), China and the United States. Reforest'Action's expertise in designing projects adapted to each context guarantees the sustainability of the restoration actions undertaken by Hennessy. Over the 2021-2022 period, thanks to the partnership between Maison Hennessy and Reforest'Action alone, more than 3.5 million trees from 121 different species have been planted in 8 countries. The total surface area concerned by the projects and their impacts, both current and future, is about 15,000 hectares.
In France
Under its Forest Destination program, Hennessy also called on Reforest'Action to carry out projects in France, as close as possible to its headquarters in Cognac. Micro-forests* have been created in Pont-Neuf, Pré-Dinât and Juillac-Le-Coq, thereby enabling Hennessy's employees to enjoy the benefits. The aim of this local approach for the company is to act at the root of its activities and involve its stakeholders in the reconstitution of biodiversity reservoirs and ecological corridors, which have too often disappeared from the French landscape.
*A micro-forest or Miyawaki forest consists of planting native tree and shrub species in a very dense pattern over a small area.
Protecting water resources in Kenya
Hennessy is funding a holistic project anchored in Mount Kenya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. More than 300,000 people depend on it on a daily basis: Masai, Kikuyu and other ethnic groups are drawing water from its forest, as well as harvesting fruits and medicinal plants. But deforestation in the region has altered weather patterns, causing droughts, and drying up the rivers that originate from the destroyed forest. Led locally by the NGO Trees for Kenya, the project developed by Reforest'Action combines several complementary actions, including the restoration of Mount Kenya National Park's forests. Over the long term, the impact of the restored forest on water resources will be substantial: groundwater recharge, increased river waterflow, more frequent rainfall, crop irrigation, etc.
Teaching sustainable agriculture in Madagascar
Reforest'Action and Hennessy have joined forces to develop an environmental and social project in Madagascar, Analamanga region. The island's forests, which cover 20% of the territory, are true jewels of biodiversity. However, they are suffering from the local agricultural system: slash-and-burn agriculture, consisting in burning the forest to make the soil suitable for cultivation, is responsible for dramatic fires that destroy between 50,000 and 100,000 hectares of forest each year. Led locally by the 2400 Sourires and Siel Bleu organizations, the project includes a major awareness-raising and training in sustainable agricultural practices program. Aimed at promoting agroforestry as an alternative to conventional agriculture and a means of improving farmers' living conditions, the construction of a Forest School will help young farmers to create agroforestry systems on their land.
By making forests a central pillar of its sustainable development strategy, Maison Hennessy proves that having a positive impact outside its value chain is possible. Thanks to a long-term vision, the company simultaneously triggers the levers of emission reduction and contribution, thus reinforcing its participation in the fight against the climate crisis and the decline in biodiversity, while supporting local communities.