In October 2018, more than 42 million trees were knocked down by the Vaia storm in the Dolomites, in northeastern Italy. The impact was devastating, and recovering that fallen wood and financing reforestation in the area is essential to support local communities and restore ecosystem balance.
Creation of VAIA
A group of friends created VAIA to transform wood from trees knocked down in the storm into objects, without using living raw materials. This effort provides a concrete response to the consequences of climate change in the region.
VAIA also plants a tree for every product sold to accelerate landscape and wildlife recovery, and protect the territory exposed to hydrogeological erosion.
Goals and Future Projections
The founders of VAIA aim to revalue raw materials from all areas affected by natural disasters. Part of the proceeds are used to finance reforestation in the area.
So far, VAIA has sold over 40,000 mobile phone stands made from Dolomites wood and has started forest repopulation.
The stands feature a hollow cone that amplifies sound without electricity, and each box has a unique slit made by a carpenter following the wood’s natural grain.
The goal is to sell 50,000 units and plant 50,000 trees.
Sustainability and Future
VAIA’s commitment to sustainability and ecosystem restoration demonstrates how environmental challenges can be turned into opportunities to develop sustainable products and support local communities.
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