World Biodiversity Day: when care and nature become one
22 May marks World Biodiversity Day, an opportunity for emeis to highlight the importance of nature in the care pathway, the role it plays for those we support and their loved ones, and, of course, in preserving the environment. The CSR and Medical departments, led by Muriel Barnéoud, EVP CSR and Quality, and Valérie Carrat, Medical Director for France, are working closely together on this issue, which lies at the heart of our approach. Here’s an update.
Biodiversity: a reality at emeis
When we talk about biodiversity, we imagine something distant—vast forests, rare species. But biodiversity is, above all, right here, in our daily lives, in our parks, our gardens, our flower-filled terraces, and within our care homes. In France, 93% of them have a garden, a park or a green outdoor space, and 100% of our care homes have terraces or landscaped outdoor areas. In the Netherlands, as in Austria or Ireland, all our care homes feature green spaces, and generally at least two-thirds of our care homes have green areas. These are not merely decorative. They are places of calm, of renewal, of connection. For residents, patients, families… but also for the staff who work there every day.
Promoting biodiversity is therefore, in very practical terms, about caring for people and the local area. We plant locally, we maintain our green spaces by using local businesses that support re-employment, and we create spaces that do people good. This is our way of making a positive impact. On the planet, but also on the quality of life and work within our facilities. Because, at heart, caring is also about this: being rooted in a living environment, and ensuring it stays that way.
‘Nature and care’: a key aspect of care
At emeis, we have rebranded biodiversity under the concept of “Nature and Care”, because its benefits are real: reduced anxiety, improved sleep, stimulation of cognitive abilities, and reduced reliance on certain treatments. “Nature and Care” is a complementary, natural, non-pharmacological approach to care that reinforces the work of medical, paramedical and care teams. Naturally, these soothing environments also benefit professionals a : practising in a living, more serene setting fosters meaningful interactions and a more human approach to care.
In practice, this approach is implemented within our medical and care teams, as well as among management and activity coordinators. We encourage integrative practices that draw on the benefits of nature: contact with animals, therapeutic walks, outdoor workshops, sensory gardens… These non-pharmacological approaches can soothe, stimulate and provide relief – and sometimes delay or avoid the need for medication. By utilising them, we are taking concrete steps to prevent polypharmacy, whilst promoting ‘appropriate prescribing’: providing care without over-prescribing, to limit pharmaceutical waste and conserve resources.
With ‘Nature and Care’, we are embracing a OneHealth approach: human health is closely linked to that of nature and all living things. This is the systemic vision we champion at emeis: caring for a person also means caring for the environment in which they live.
Biodiversity: implementing and certifying
In practical terms, in France, over 86% of our facilities have already implemented concrete measures to promote biodiversity. This is also the case in other countries, where animal-assisted therapy and therapeutic gardens are frequently introduced. We have created an internal “BiophilGood” label, developed through collaboration with ecologists, doctors, facility directors, and our management teams and subject matter experts. Recognising three levels of commitment, this label provides a framework, makes things clearer and motivates teams. For example, by the end of 2025, 78% of our care homes in France had achieved the first level of the label, demonstrating excellent momentum!
“Nature & care: at the heart of our care, at the heart of life.” This is a deep-seated, collective conviction. It is also a commitment from our mission-driven company: to innovate in order to contribute to care that respects the planet and all living things. Every day, in our care homes around the world, we care for and support vulnerable people.
