Aug. 2013

Declaration of Biodiversity by Keidanren

Guide to Action Policy

Keidanren
Committee on Nature Conservation

Declaration of Biodiversity by Keidanren

Guide to Action Policy

The purpose and aim of the Action Policy
The “Action Policy” is to illustrate appropriate directions of our specificactivities based on “Declaration of Biodiversity by Keidanren”. This “Guide to Action
Policy”, containing objectives (reasons) why we take such activities, points to consider
upon taking them and examples of activities collected through “Questionnaire survey
on business activity” conducted by Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation,complements this Action Policy.
Please note this action policy is expected not to be a standard which defines theminimum requirement or satisfactory level of actions each company should take but a
guideline for taking appropriate actions according to the field, scale and business
content of each company.
As biodiversity is connected closely with nature conservation, climate change
and resource recycle, nature conservation activities and global warming measuresoften contribute to biodiversity conservation. Thus, effective actions may be found by
redefining existing efforts in such areas from a viewpoint of biodiversity.
The figure and table on page 20 list examples of ways of current situation
analysis and corrective plans which contribute to biodiversity conservation based on
the relationship among biodiversity, livelihood and economic activity, and“Questionnaire survey on business activity’. These figure and table can be a reference
for companies voluntarily taking biodiversity into consideration in daily operation
across the range of their business fields.

iFOREWORD
According to the International Energy Agency, Japan
consumed half as much energy per dollar worth of economic
activity as the United States of America or the European Unionand one eighth as much as most of the emerging countries in2005. According to data from the Ministry of Economy, Tradeand Industry, Japan has managed to keep its overall annual energy
consumption unchanged at the equivalent of a little more than abillion barrels of oil since the early 1970s. In fact, Japan
succeeded in maintaining that level even as the economy doubled in size during thecountry‟s boom years of the 1970s and 1980s.
Japan has therefore demonstrated that decoupling economic growth and energy
consumption is not only possible but also is a prerequisite for sustained economic
growth and achieving sustainable development. Japanese businesses have been amajor player of this achievement in increasing investments in sustainable energy
systems, where the global growth has jumped by almost seven times in the past sevenyears, reaching US$ 155 billion. Japan, with the world most advanced energy
conservation technology and with unique experience of having overcome pollution andwaste problems, has set an example for other to follow.
Japan is one of the world‟s largest importers of natural resources, which make itin many respects dependent on global biodiversity. Therefore, the activities of Japanesebusiness organizations in sourcing and managing these natural resources are of highimportance for the future of biodiversity conservation globally.
A major challenge in addressing biodiversity loss remains the fact that moststakeholders do not understand the extent to which they actually rely on natural
resources and the effects of this reliance. Addressing this gap in understanding is thefirst step for reducing the loss of biodiversity and generally requires consensus-building
among stakeholders through a long and tedious process.
It is for this reason that at its eighth meeting, held in Curitiba, Brazil, in March
2006, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity reiterated
the importance of engaging the business community in the implementation of theConvention. At its ninth meeting, held in Bonn, Germany, in May 2008, theConference of the Parties adopted a framework for priority actions to promote businessii

engagement, which focuses on the continued development and promotion of thebusiness case for biodiversity and the dissemination of best practice.
The Keidanren Declaration on Biodiversity is a direct response to the calladdressed by the 191 Parties to the Convention to the business community to join forces
for meeting the unprecedented biodiversity challenges. A strong and vibrantpublic-private partnership is essential for meeting the objectives of the Convention on
Biological Diversity—the Convention for Life on Earth. I‟m convinced that the
Keidanren Declaration on Biodiversity, together with the Guideline on Business andBiodiversity prepared by the Government of Japan, will promote private-sector
initiatives for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Tadao Ando a famous Japanese architect said, “When you look at Japanesetraditional architecture, you have to look at Japanese culture and its relationship withnature. You can actually live in a harmonious, close contact with nature - this very
unique to Japan”. I sincerely hope the Japanese Business and Biodiversity Initiative
will allow historians to state that, “When you look at the Japanese biodiversity
technologies you have to look at Japanese culture and its relation with nature.”
The Keidanren Declaration on Biodiversity is a major achievement of the
Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation and 1,611 companies. It is also a major
milestone for Japan in its journey towards achieving sustainable development and as thehost of the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties. This will endure that Nagoya,
Aichi Prefecture, will be lastingly associated with world-wide efforts to preserve
biodiversity, the foundation of Life on Earth. In doing so, I believe that COP10 will be
remembered in the minds and souls of generations to come that development andsustainability must go hand-in-handAhmed Djoghlaf

24 July 2009

Executive Secretary
Convention on Biological Diversity
Montreal, Canadaiii

IUCN warmly welcomesthe Declaration of Biodiversity by Keidanren

It is extremely heartening that the private sector inJapan is taking so many positive steps in support ofbiodiversity.
The concept of sustainability is very familiar to manyin the private sector, but the focus on biodiversity is
especially welcome as we approach 2010, the United Nations
Year of Biodiversity. This statement will be very effectiveth
at the 10 Conference of Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to be heldin Nagoya in October next year. It could well inspire business associations in othercountries to approve a similar declaration.
IUCN was especially happy to see the elements of learning from biodiversity, andthe recognition that incorporating concern for biodiversity can contribute to sustainableindustry, lifestyle, and culture. The accompanying Action Policy helps to specify thekinds of activities that Japanese industry can implement, both domestically and ininternational operations as well.
At its World Conservation Congress held in Barcelona, Spain, last year, IUCN‟sMembers recognized the important roles that the private sector can play in helping tocontribute to IUCN‟s mission to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout theworld to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use ofnatural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. We warmly welcome
Keidanren‟s strong contribution to ensuring that biodiversity remains a crucial elementin Japanese society.
Julia Marton-Lefèvre

17 Sept. 2009

Director General
International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN)Grand, Switzerlandiv

Declaration of Biodiversity
By
Keidanren(Japan Business Federation)v

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Declaration of Biodiversity by Keidanren
17 March 2009
Keidanren (Japan Business Federation)＜Preamble＞
1. Activities by Keidanren
Keidanren is engaged in numerous activities to tackle global environmental problems for future
human prosperity. These activities are based on ideas in the “Global Environment Charter” 1(announced in 1991), or the “Environment-led growth" in the "Envisioning A Vibrant and Attractive
Nation in the Twenty-First Century" 2(announced in 2003).
The Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund (KNCF) and its accompanying committee were
established in 1992 to link between economic activities and the natural environment in order to bringthem closer together in a harmonious way. In the same year, KNCF started supporting for NGO
projects for nature conservation mainly in the Asia and Pacific regions. The number of supported
projects has now reached about 800. In 2003, Keidanren announced the "Declaration of Keidanren
on Nature Conservation" (hereafter Nature Conservation Declaration) and has been promoting
awareness raising and activities related to the Declaration since then.
2. Biodiversity Crisis
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was adopted together with the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development (UNCED: Earth Summit) held in Rio De Janeiro in 1992. However
the recognition of the importance of biodiversity has been insufficient, partly because biodiversity isdifficult to measure and the concept is difficult to understand.
Biodiversity provides the gifts of nature to human beings; the loss of biodiversity is thus leading
to serious problems for human life and livelihoods by affecting water resources, food security andpoverty, among other things. It is necessary to recognize that biodiversity is essential to social andeconomic activities and that all people and organizations need to draw upon their wisdom andcollaborate to face the biodiversity crisis.
3. Our Commitment
Based on the Nature Conservation Declaration, we have been promoting nature conservation
activities with a focus on biodiversity. It is time to recognize that biodiversity is an important
foundation for a future sustainable society and we are determined to act to contribute to biodiversity
in collaboration and cooperation by sharing roles and responsibilities with all people as a member ofthe international community.
We aim for the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of the components ofbiological diversity and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits derived from genetic resources.
Herewith we adopt the Declaration of Biodiversity which further develops the actions forbiodiversity outlined in the “Nature Conservation Declaration”.
We will continue to improve this Declaration and Action Policy as we identify the need based onprogress attained.
1
2

http://www.keidanren.or.jp/english/speech/spe001/s01001/s01b.html
http://www.keidanren.or.jp/english/policy/vision2025.pdf

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＜Declaration＞

1. Appreciate nature’s gifts and aim for corporate activities inharmony with the natural environment
Appreciate that we depend upon nature‟s gifts (ecosystem services)which are derived from biodiversity. Aim for corporate activities which
are in harmony with the natural environment, and which have been
evolving since the birth of the earth.

2．Act from a global perspective on the biodiversity crisis
Act for biodiversity conservation from a global perspective and inconsideration of local contexts by recognizing that we are benefiting fromecosystem services beyond national boarders and by sharing therecognition with all people that biodiversity is being diminished.
In utilizing genetic resources, respect the ideas contained in theConvention on Biological Diversity and make efforts to maintain genetic
resources for future generations.

3. Act voluntarily and steadily to contribute to biodiversity
Be aware of one‟s own social responsibility. Act voluntarily andsteadily to reduce impacts on biodiversity, and to promote socially
responsible activities that will substantially benefit biodiversity. In
implementing actions, individual companies endeavor to use their own
managerial resources and apply their creativity according to their
management contexts and ideas.

4. Promote corporate management for sustainable resource use
Promote corporate management that will lead to solutions forbiodiversity and climate change issues by creating a culture of sustainable
resources use and energy saving by utilizing the „3R‟ approach (reduce,reuse and recycle).
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5. Create an industry, lifestyle and culture that will learn frombiodiversity
Learn from nature, society‟s wisdom and traditions regarding nature,and pursue management innovations by promoting the development ofenvironmental technology and operational activities with a low impact on
biodiversity, thus leading to sustainable industry, lifestyle and culture.

6. Collaborate with relevant international and national organizations
Collaborate, both in international and national contexts, withstakeholders to develop a better awareness and recognition of theimportance of biodiversity and actively promote collaboration andcooperation in order to make the engagement and activities forbiodiversity effective.

7.
Spearhead activities to build a society that will nurture
biodiversity
Based on a deep understanding of biodiversity, contribute to asustainable global society by spearheading activities which address social
responsibility for biodiversity.

We herewith declare that we will respect the seven principles detailed
above and will act with firm commitments for biodiversity.

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Action Policy
1. Appreciate nature’s gifts and aim for corporate activities in harmony with the naturalenvironment

1-1

Recognize the importance of biodiversity and nature‟s gifts and reflect them incorporate policy.

1-2

Establish a corporate management vision and provide leadership to integratebiodiversity concerns.

2. Act from a global perspective on the biodiversity crisis
2-1 Consider impacts on relevant ecosystems and local communities, both domestic and abroad,when setting out operational plans.
2-2

Make an effort to ensure that the both provider and users of genetic resources will benefit
from their utilization.

3. Act voluntarily and steadily to contribute to biodiversity
3-1 Make an effort to improve the identification and analysis of biodiversity impacts andimprove business operations on biodiversity.
3-2

Endeavor through the individual company‟s operations to contribute to substantial
conservation of biodiversity and carefully consider implementation of trading or off-setting
measures based on an economic evaluation.

3-3 As part of social responsibility activities, engage in biodiversity issues even if they are notdirectly linked to the operations of the company.
4. Promote corporate management for sustainable resource use
4-1 Continuously implement activities for resource and energy saving related to the use of the„3R‟ approach (reduce, reuse and recycle) for operations, and the entire lifecycle of products
and services while improving upon established practices.
5. Create an industry, lifestyle and culture that will learn from biodiversity
5-1 Promote technical development learning from nature and traditional knowledge, andencourage innovation in lifestyle and culture.
5-2

Promote the development and dissemination of technology that will contribute to theconservation of biodiversity.

5-3

Make efforts to help restore biodiversity when operating in areas where nature has been
negatively impacted.

6. Collaborate with relevant international and national organizations
6-1 Promote collaboration by strengthening communication with NGOs, local municipalities
and educational, research and other relevant organizations.
6-2

Disseminate and share experiences from activities related to biodiversity.

7. Spearhead activities to build a society that will nurture biodiversity
7-1 Actively carry out environmental education activities for employees in collaboration withlocal communities, NGOs and other organizations.
7-2 Raise societal awareness of the need to nurture biodiversity.
* This text is translated from Japanese. The Japanese text is the definitive version.

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Guide to Action Policy(Modified in August 2010)(Modified in November 2011)(Modified in July 2013)

1. Appreciate nature’s gifts and aim for corporate activities inharmony with the natural environment
1-1 Recognize the importance of biodiversity and nature’s gift (ecosystemservices) and reflect them in corporate policy.

(Objective)◎ Corporate activities utilize benefits of biodiversity1 (ecosystem services2) as theiressential base but, on the other hand, bring impacts on the natural environment
and ecosystems 3 (See the figure and the table on Page 19 as well as below).
(Examples of use of ecosystem services)
・ Biological resources such as timber, pulp, plant/animal fiber, leather, rubber,vegetable/animal oil, micro-organism are used as raw materials.
・ Production processes of biological resources including agriculture, forestry,
fisheries and livestock industries, aquaculture, and imports of such products.
・ Uses of water (natural water as beverage material, water transportation orhydro power, cooling water, etc.) and the atmosphere’s self cleansing function(emission of pollutants or GHG to the air, etc.) Nature’s beauty (eco-tourism,etc.) may also be considered as examples of use of ecosystem services.
(Examples of impacts on ecosystem caused by business-related activity)
・ Impacts at construction sites when constructing/locating business offices.
・ Impacts at places of origin of raw materials and distribution routes when
procuring raw materials.
・ Impacts caused by pollutant emissions or waste disposals.

Therefore, while respecting nature and its gifts, we are required to look for andcreate new forms of business and livelihood by which nature and its gift are not
impaired. In this perspective, we need to develop business activities under amanagement policy formulated with considerations to the principles of
biodiversity conservation and sustainable use4 of ecosystem services.
(Point to consider)◎ Concepts toward nature nurtured by our ancestors such as SANSENSOMOKUSHITSU U BUSSHO - “Mountains, rivers, grasses and trees all have the spirit of
Buddhism in themselves”-5 are said to share the concept of biodiversity so ourancestors’ wisdoms may be appropriate references to business managements.
It should be kept in mind that it is difficult to precisely predict impacts on the society
brought by human activities, especially for the distant future or regions as nature‟s system ishighly complicated and hardly understandable in perfect details.

(Examples of activity)○ Include aspects regarding biodiversity in management principle and policy, andenvironmental policy.
① Refer to biodiversity considerations in environmental policy.
② Formulate a policy or guidelines on biodiversity.
③ (In case for business that handles natural resources) Refer to an approach tobiodiversity in procurement policy.

11-2 Establish a corporate management vision and provide leadership to
integrate biodiversity concerns.
(Objective)◎ Top-down approach is an effective approach to get the fact that management puts
its efforts to spread biodiversity considerations across the entire organization andmake them rooted. In other words, management is required to indicate in avisible manner that “biodiversity consideration” and “sustainable use of
ecosystem services” are the foundations of management, to take initiatives andshow good practices to raise/improve the awareness of each employee and every
level of organization.
（Point to consider）◎ “Charter of Corporate Behavior” and “Implementation Guidance (Version 6) for
Charter of Corporate Behavior” are appropriate references for planningappropriate efforts expected to top management.
http://www.keidanren.or.jp/japanese/policy/cgcb/tebiki6.pdf(Examples of managerial activity)
1. Puts an importance on biodiversity when developing management policy andits implementation management.
① Set a target/targets on biodiversity② Adopt an agenda/agendas regarding biodiversity in top-down manner.
③ Deepen understandings of ongoing efforts on biodiversity.
2. Sends messages to or exchanges opinions with employees about biodiversity
considerations at every opportunities.
① Feature management messages in in-house journals, intranet and bulletinboard etc.
② Use effectively regular speeches such as ones at new-year ceremony,
welcome ceremony for newly-hired employees and management
meeting/instruction.
③ Establish an organization structure for handling biodiversity-related
issues.
④ Reflect its policy on biodiversity to medium/long term operational plan
(5-year plan etc.)⑤ Participate in employee volunteer activities for biodiversity conservation.
※ Addition to the above, public disclosure of management policy and productdevelopment itself can also be utilized as opportunities to send messages

2

2. Act from a global perspective on the biodiversity crisis
2-1 Consider impacts on relevant ecosystems and local communities, both
domestic and abroad, when setting out operational plans.
(Objective)(1) Business activities in recent days heavily depend on trans-border ecosystemservices. Therefore, we need to pay attentions to their impacts brought not onlyin own nation but also in foreign countries.
Importing any material of animal/plant origin from overseas means gifts of nature ofexporting countries are also used by importing countries. For example, if you importforeign agriculture products, gifts of nature including water and soil (nutrition) of thecountry of origin, with which such products were produced, are imported at the sametime.

(2) In addition, impacts on unique lifestyle, tradition, culture and customs of people
live in each related community should be considered.
In this guidelines, impacts on lifestyle, tradition, culture and customs mean that
impacts on ecosystem services caused by activities like land development makecertain lifestyle or culture unsustainable or hard to sustain.

(Point to consider)◎ Business operations or measures that only aim at nature conservation or resource
management are often insufficient for biodiversity conservation and promotion ofsustainable use of ecosystem services. This is because biodiversity issues arebroadly related to living environments and various problems including poverty
and food supply of local communities. Therefore, efforts are needed to sustain andprotect lifestyle, culture etc. of related communities.

(Examples of activity)① Provide financial support to conservation activities of foreign countries’
environment, especially these of NGOs etc. that simultaneously aim at
improvements of community livelihood.
② Participate to forest conservation activities or bio-behavioral researches
conducted in foreign countries through overseas office or local branch.
③ Conduct forest development activities etc. in neighboring area to offset theuse of water in courses of business activities and to promote thegroundwater recharge.
④ Offer cooperation to environment conservation activities in overseas byutilizing own technical know-how / products (ex. irrigation technology anduse of high-absorbent resin for desert greening).

3

2-2 Make an effort to ensure that the both provider and users of genetic
resources will benefit from their utilization(Objective)◎ The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 6 sets “Access to genetic resources
and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) 7 ” as well as conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity as its main purposes and recognizes possessing country’s sovereign
right on genetic resources. Therefore, when using genetic resources, attentions
should be paid to fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of theutilization of genetic resources.
(Points to consider)(1) International rules and laws and regulations of county of origin should bestudied in advance and complied with. The Bonn Guidelines 8 that clarifies
contractual matters regarding benefit sharing arising from genetic resources
for concerning parties and the Cartagena Protocol on Biodiversity9 that defines
matters for handling of living modified organisms are examples of suchinternational rules.
CBD COP10 has adopted Nagoya Protocol10 on ABS and Nagoya-Kuala
Lumpur Supplementary Protocol11 on living modified organisms.
(2) As for genetic resources, “Guidelines on Access to Genetic Resources for Usersin Japan” and “ABS Guidelines for Companies (Online version)” prepared by
the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Japan Bio-industry
Association are good references for conducting biodiversity-oriented businessactivities.
“Guidelines on Access to Genetic Resources for Users in Japan”
http://www.mabs.jp/archives/pdf/iden_tebiki_e.pdf“ABS Guidelines for Companies (Online version)”
http://www.mabs.jp/
For patent application of invention that utilizes genetic resources,
see the following web page.
http://www.jpo.go.jp/cgi/link.cgi?url=/torikumi/kokusai/kokusai2/living_thi
ng_meeting.htm(Examples of activity)① When accessing any genetic resource, obtain “Prior informed Consent” (PIC)from concerned parties such as governments in addition to that of thecounterparty based on related national laws of possessing country.
② As for benefit sharing, confirm the way of sharing and achieve mutual
agreement. This agreement is also needed in case that no benefit is expected
to occur.
③ Contract a “material transfer agreement” to transfer genetic material to
Japan.
④ Participate in joint projects regarding the usage and conservation ofoverseas resources conducted by National Institute of Technology and
Evaluation(NITE).
43. Act voluntarily and steadily to contribute to biodiversity
3-1 Make an effort to improve the identification and analysis of biodiversity
impacts and improve business operations on biodiversity.

(Objective)◎ Corporate activities utilize benefits of biodiversity (ecosystem services) as theiressential base but, on the other hand, bring impacts on the natural environment
and ecosystems (See 1-1).
Therefore, efforts to manage uses of ecosystem services and degrees of impacts on
ecosystem in appropriate and timely manner as well as to avoid negative impacts
on ecosystem are essential for sustainable business activities.

(Points to consider)(1) Implement impact forecasts before starting new business and monitoring after
starting the business appropriately.
Segmentation of business activities is one way of identifying/analyzing impacts
on biodiversity brought by business activities. Geographical approach which
focuses on each places of business activities may be another option (see thefigure and the table on page 20).
Impacts on biodiversity vary by the content, scale and geographical area of
business. In addition, such impacts are highly uncertain because of insufficientscientific knowledge. Therefore, biodiversity measures should be tailor-made,considered and verified on a project-by-project basis.
The following two strategic methods should be of importance in
identifying/analyzing the mechanism of nature that is highly complicated anduncertain.
①Preventive action: Act humble and carefully (ex. even if scientific evidences are
not sufficient, do not procrastinate, put efforts to gain more knowledge, andimplement measures at the earliest stage).
② Adaptive management: Implement monitoring, feedback and PDCA cycle(management through trial and error process)(ex. monitor changes in biodiversity
and review ways of management and utilization according to such monitoring
results).

(2) In case of introducing quantitative targets, pay attentions to avoid that theachievement of such targets itself becomes a goal and to consider the
relationship between quantitative index used and actual impacts on
biodiversity.
(3) Compliance with local legislation of area of business activities should comprise apart of efforts for identification, analysis and improvement.

5(4) When multiple parties (business partners etc.) are involved in a course ofbusiness activities, the company’s efforts on biodiversity and the necessity ofefforts of whole supply chain need to be understand and recognized by suchparties. And, if necessary, ask concerned parties their considerations on
biodiversity (but, such asks should be done carefully as it might fall under “theabuse of dominant bargaining position” of the anti-monopoly act).
Responsible procurements and supplies accompanied by considerations tobiodiversity from the standpoint of each party of supply chain are indispensable foracting towards possible impacts brought by certain business activity.
Among other things, to understand the actual state of material procurement of themost upper stream is often more important in identifying the relationship withbiodiversity. If multiple parties, including not a few SMEs and micro-enterprises,
located various area of the glove form a supply chain and precise identification of
distribution channel of a material is difficult, it is expected to link a chain by asking
each party biodiversity considerations to a possible extent.

(5) As for procurements of biological resources, third party assessment/certification
systems like forest certification and marine resource certification may beutilized in identifying whether a method of procurement is accompanied bybiodiversity consideration or not.
(Examples of activity)
1. Conduct studies, forecasts and assessments regarding environmental impacts at
locations of business activities, and implement measures for rare species conservation.
① Catch and release marine organisms left after dry-up works of the seafloor.
② Transplant wild grass habitats from construction zones within a businessestablishment to a natural forest within the same business establishment.
③ Utilize neo-natural construction methods; constructing animal paths or biotopes etc.
④ Utilize noise insulation construction methods to avoid impacts on the raptors.
2. Develop easier methods of study, forecast and assessment of environmental impacts.
3. Design facilities with efforts to minimize surface areas affected by construction works;
introduce smaller facilities or underground facilities etc.
4. Manage company-owned facilities and forests① Transplant and conserve rare plants (ex. Cephalanthera falcate and Cremastra
appendiculata (D.Don) Makino) in cooperation with experts etc.
② Conduct greenings with considerations to surrounding vegetation.
③ Designate non-trimming area.
④ Manage environments for biological habitation (biotope etc.)
5. Introduce designs, constructions and monitoring that are able to secure both building
function and biodiversity conservation.
① Utilize neo-natural construction methods including constructing animal paths orbiotopes.
② Construct a neo-natural regulatory pond through design improvement, and continue
monitoring after construction.
6. Promote green procurements.
① Define green procurement policy and spread it to suppliers.
② Include biodiversity issues in CSR procurement management items.
③ Develop “procurement policy” that defines the use of products certified against impacts
on local ecosystem and livelihoods for the company and affiliated companies.
7. Control of usage and appropriate management of harmful chemical compounds

63-2 Endeavor through the individual company’s operations to contribute to
substantial conservation of biodiversity and carefully consider
implementation of trading or off-setting measures based on an economic
assessment.

(Objective)(1) Global discussions on how to evaluate economic values of biodiversity andecosystem services, to enable such values created by conservation activities of third
parties or in remote areas subjects of economic transactions, and to utilize thesebenefits in offsetting12 biodiversity loss caused by other activities have been taking
place.
(2) The economic values of biodiversity and ecosystem services are useful incommunicating the importance of biodiversity to people who are not experts, i.e.
consumers or businesses as they make biodiversity’s benefits visible. It is, however,impossible, at least at this moment, to understand or measure the quantity and thequality of the values appropriately due to their significant diversity.
It is being pointed out that biodiversity and ecosystem services have values
difficult to evaluate economically, i.e. cultural or spiritual value etc., and evenwith values which can be evaluate easily, evaluation results may be significantly
different by what approach was taken.
(3) Compensatory mitigation13, the idea of compensating or offsetting a biodiversity
loss in an area with conservation activities in other areas, is agreeable as it aims todecrease the total amount of biodiversity losses at the possible extent. Such losses
in principle, however, cannot or are extremely difficult to be compensated; eacharea has a unique biome and ecosystems including threatened species and endemic
species, and local livelihoods which depend on these ecosystems.
Based on the idea that compensatory mitigation is better than doing nothing evenit cannot achieve the complete compensation in consideration of continued lossesof biodiversity by development activities, there remains a room for compensatory
mitigation.
(4) When evaluating economic values of biodiversity or ecosystem services, carefulconsiderations are required about whether local biodiversity can be substantiallyconserved and local communities being dependents on local ecosystem services can
avoid negative impacts. Additionally, it should be kept in mind that some values are
hard to or impossible to be evaluated economically.
(Points to consider)(1) Although certain alternative way if accompanied by an intention to minimize
impacts on nature to a possible extent might be allowed as the last option inpromoting sustainable use, even in such cases, contribution activities for local
biodiversity conservation should be prioritized to avoid over accumulation of risks(Mitigation hierarchy).
(2) When certain alternative method is the only option, it is important to act carefully
by taking measures like consultations with experts for possible environmental

7

impacts, etc.
(3) When conducting a quantitative evaluation (including an economic evaluation),these points should be considered.
①Clarify the purpose of evaluation, select an appropriate approach, and utilize
the evaluation results within the scope of the purpose.
②Clearly recognize what the subject of the evaluation was.
③ Understand that, when they are relative values, these results cannot becompared to those of other area unless the same evaluation approach was taken.
④Even if the results are definitive (economic) values, it is impossible to evaluate
whole biodiversity values of the subject area and there remain values which were
not evaluated.

(Examples of activity)① Construct an alternative pond, transplant and stock ecosystem to conserve
ecosystem of a pond and its surrounding that need to be landfilled for an
office building construction.
② Restore existing surrounding vegetation to conserve ecosystem of a forestthat to be cut in a course of office building construction.
③ Support projects concerning the same ecosystem service to which impacts
are brought by business activities in neighboring communities.
④ Create/Cultivate a water conservation forest in the upstream of a water
intake area, groundwater recharging by watering paddies around a factory(evaluate groundwater recharging capacity quantitatively)⑤ Conduct pre- and post- development biological monitoring to evaluate
quantitatively the degrees of conservation and recovery of the biologicalhabitat.

(Reference)
Example of reviews which assessed biodiversity and ecosystem services economically:
The Economics of Ecosystems & Biodiversity (TEEB)

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3-3 As part of social responsibility activities, engage in biodiversity issues
even if they are not directly linked to the operations of the company.
(Objective)◎ From the viewpoint of corporate social responsibility, in addition to managementof environmental impacts caused by business operations, activities to contributeto biodiversity conservation should be actively conducted with cooperation with
NGOs etc. even if such activities are not directly linked to business operations.
(Points to consider)(1) Efforts might be in various forms such as financial support, physical support andoffering opportunities. Conduct activities by utilizing advantages of the company’s
strength.
(2) These activities should be assessed constantly if they are truly contributing toregional societies and environment (biodiversity conservation).
Events that might occur when such assessments are insufficient:・Land has been abandoned after forestation because forested trees did not grow as
selection of trees or management after forestation was not appropriate.
・Newly-developed products are made from materials produced by illegal logging of
natural forest.

(3) If activities are related to “endangered species” or “invasive alien species”, conduct
appropriate measures from the following viewpoints.
Events that might occur when considerations regarding invasive alien species are
insufficient:・A plant introduced in large scale as a greening material migrates onto regionalriverbeds, becomes an invasive alien species and makes indigenous species unable
to live there.
・Fireflies raised in the area owned by the company in the west part of Japan aretransported to a biotope in other area owned by the company in the east part ofJapan. Flashing patterns of the ones transported and the ones raised there aredifferent and it causes a disturbance to ecosystem.

(Examples of activity)
1. Direct contributions to conservation activities of surrounding environments.
① Cooperate to forest management works (employee/family volunteers etc.)② Conduct activities in cooperation with NGOs to protect environments unique toeach region (mountain, lake and coral reef etc.)③ Construct a park in surrounding area of factory and make it open to communities.
④ Conduct forest ecosystem conservation activities in company owned area or“company forest”⑤ Raise and stock killifishes in company owned area in cooperation with municipal office.
⑥ Conduct community forest (SATOYAMA) conservation activities in cooperation
with civic groups or NGOs.
⑦ Promote employees and their families’ participation in forestation volunteer.
⑧ Conduct river/coast clean-up activities.

2. Contributions through awareness raising activities.
○ Implement awareness raising events on the environment (photo/picture bookcontests etc.)

3. Contributions by tying up business activities to conservation activities (financial
support).
① Donate a part of sales revenue of certain products to nature conservation groups.
② Establish “One-click donation” system on the company website.

94. Promote corporate management for sustainable resource use
4-1 Continuously implement activities for resource and energy saving related
to the use of the “3R” approach (reduce, reuse and recycle) for operations,and the entire lifecycle of products and services while improving uponestablished practices.
(Objective)(1) Foreseeing the limitation of natural resources, the knowledge of wise-use andsustainable use of natural resources such as effective use and cycle use must be
utilized from now on. In addition to measures that have been already promoted for
effective use of resources like 3R14, continuous and proactive efforts to prevent
depletion of biological resources and control deterioration of nature environment in
the view of biodiversity.
It is apparent that the wise-use is directly linked to the prevention of depletion of
biological resources like timbers and food among all natural resources.
As for mineral resources such as fossil fuels and metals, impacts on surrounding
environments are inevitable (natural forests are cut down in a course of a resource
survey or mining). So, the wise-use of mineral resources is also an effort to contributeto biodiversity.

(2) Also, efforts to realize business activities and lifestyle that utilize nature’s resource
cycling mechanisms (water/soil nutrition cycling, air/water cycling and food chainetc.) without causing any hindrance to them should be implemented as the nature’s
activity itself is the model of resource cycling.

(Points to consider)(1) When considering effective use of resources, it is important to consider efficiencies ofwhole lifecycles of products/services (ex. efficiency at use, easiness to dispose/recycleetc.) as well as in business operations (processes).
(2) Technology or know-how on effective use of resources and recycling can be abusiness (ESCO etc.) by offering it to other companies.
(3) Effective use may be difficult in some points with renewable natural energies thatutilize nature cycling function because of low energy densities. But, on the other
hand, easy to use systems like the green energy certification system have been
established for them.
(4) As for the increase use of bio-energy, it might be accompanied by land development
or cultivation of one certain species in large scale. Moreover, it has a possibility to
become trade-off relationship with food issues. So it should be promoted with carefulconsiderations not only to energy security but also to biodiversity conservation.

10

(Examples of activity)
1. Efforts to reduce final industrial waste volume through 3R promotion.
○ The first target that aimed at 75% reduction of final industrial waste
volume (compared to the one of FY1990) was achieved in FY2002, 8 years
ahead of schedule. In FY 2007, the second target was set as 86% reduction
and this target was achieved in FY2010 (89.4%) (Keidanren Voluntary
Action Plan on the Environment (Section on building recycling-basedsociety)2.

Efforts to realize the world’s best energy efficiency.
○ Implement the Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment (Section on
global warming measures).

3. Efforts to gain benefits for business activities through resource cycling.
① ESCO business that utilizes energy saving technologies.
② Develop and market eco products like highly biodegradable products.
③ Improve energy efficiency through waste heat recovery and recycling.
④ Recycle industrial effluent water and use recycled water.
⑤ Establish used paper recovery business system.
⑥ Establish aluminum can recycle system.
⑦ Design products that are easy to scrap.
⑧ Design products that are easy to recycle.
⑨ Use thinned wood or wood chips.
⑩ Recover frying oil and use it as recycled oil.
⑪ Promote “Smart wrapping” and “My bag”.
⑫ Container weight saving.
⑬ Promote repairs and re-use.
⑭ Improve yield ratios by reviewing manufacturing processes.

(References)
・ Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment (Section on building recycling -basedsociety) - Annual Follow-up Survey Results - Japan Business Federation
http://www.keidanren.or.jp/policy/vape.html
・ Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment (Section on global warming
measures)- Annual Follow-up Survey Results (Industry specific summary) Japan Business Federation
http://www.keidanren.or.jp/policy/vape.html

11

5. Create an industry, lifestyle and culture that will learn frombiodiversity
5-1 Promote technical development learning from nature and traditional
knowledge, and encourage innovation in lifestyle and culture.

(Objective)◎ Changing our lifestyle to that is comfortable and spends less energy (without
depending on fossil fuels) is necessary for realizing an affluent society
accompanied by the sustainable use of natural resources.
Clues to develop technologies required for such lifestyle change might befound in nature’s activities (ex. biological structures and functions). They canbe models of cycling/efficient uses of resources. Also, traditions including
lifestyles of our ancestors of days before mass consumption of energy became
available might be referred in search of tips for realizing energy saving andcomfortable lifestyle.
By incorporated into the state-of-the-art technologies, such nature system andtraditional wisdoms may lead to the innovation of lifestyle.
(Point to consider)◎ When using any bio-technology, manage products appropriately and engage indeepening understandings on bio-technology of society through active disclosuresof intended use, descriptions of the operation and management method etc.

(Examples of activity)
1. Bio-mimicry (application of biological function)① Application of silken threads to new fiber.
② Application of the Morpho wing’s structure to chromogenic technology.
③ Application of the shapes of owl wing and kingfisher’s beak to reduce
Shinkansen’s air resistance.
④ Application of the structure of snail’s shell to stain-proof construction material
technology.
⑤ Application of the micro-structure of lotus leaf to water-repellent technology.
⑥ Application of the micro-structure of gecko’s leg to adhesion technology.
2. Our ancestors’ wisdoms of living① Japanese style construction with good ventilation.
② Arai-hari, a recycling system of clothes.
③ Tips to make cooler comfortable lifestyle like water sprinkling and Japaneseblinds.
④ Sustainable use of community forest (Satoyama) resources.
⑤ Farm management based on agriculture, forestry and husbandry cycling (ex.
development of Santome rice fields in the Edo era).

125-2 Promote the development and dissemination of technology that willcontribute to the conservation of biodiversity(Objective)◎ Developments of technologies that bring fewer impacts to biodiversity andapplication/dissemination of such technologies in large scale throughout thesociety are essential for realizing an affluent society. By achieving them,sustainable use of natural resources for the future becomes possible.
(Points to consider)(1) When applying such technology developed to the society, forecast and consider
about additional impacts brought by the technology.
(2) Technologies developed should be used actively for international cooperation
including technology transfer to developing countries. Such use means acontribution to international biodiversity issues.

(Examples of activity)
①
②
③
④
⑤
⑥
⑦
⑧
⑨
⑩
⑪
⑫
⑬
⑭
⑮
⑯
⑰
⑱

Develop pollution prevention technologies such as a technology that make harmful
materials harmless.
Improve technology for pollution prevention process review.
Save energy, enhance energy efficiency and develop technologies for 3R.
Develop products that bring fewer impacts on environment like high efficiency
equipments.
Develop highly efficient catalysts.
Develop new energy technologies that do not depend on fossil fuels, firewood andcoals etc.
Develop waste recycling technologies.
Develop fertilizing technologies to secure sustainable marine resources by utilizing
wastes.
Develop environment friendly materials such as bio plastics.
Develop carbon dioxide sequestration technologies.
Develop bio technologies for efficient use of genetic resources.
Develop technologies regarding the primary industries including increased
production of agriculture products and efficient aquaculture.
Develop methods of transplantation of plants.
Develop pest control technologies that do not kill insects.
Develop water quality control technologies (purification, extra-pure water anddesalination of the seawater etc.)
Develop beach sweepers by utilizing possessing technologies.
Develop educational materials and know-hows regarding environmental education.
Innovate the society through new financial services.

(References)・ Fiscal 2006 Report on Global Warming Prevention Measures: 900 Hints on
Reducing CO2 Emissions - Japan Business Federation
http://www.keidanren.or.jp/japanese/policy/2007/029.html
13

5-3 Make efforts to help restore biodiversity when operating in areas where
nature has been negatively impacted.
(Objective)◎ If any damage to biodiversity is recognized around the business establishment, it
is expected to act for its restoration and rehabilitation in cooperation withstakeholders. The most typical example of area in where nature’s gift has beendamaged is “urban area”. Considering the fact that the majority of population
lives in such area, it is quite important to create ecosystem services for them.
Moreover, not only for the urban area, creation of symbiotic regional societies inwhere human activities and nature’s gift support each other also means “thecreation of new industry, lifestyle and culture” indicated by the declaration.
(Points to consider)(1) When engaging the restoration of nature, it is important to apply environmental
technologies that are in compliance with nature’s mechanisms and bring fewer
impacts. When selecting tree species for forestation, conduct carefully withconsiderations (consultation with experts who know well about surrounding
vegetation, etc.)(2)

For the area in where degradation, segmentation or loss of biodiversity isrecognized, efforts to establish green area networks (corridors etc.) might beeffective for biodiversity restoration/rehabilitation.

(Examples of activity)
①
②
③
④
⑤
⑥
⑦

Develop urban ecosystem network assessment technologies and apply themto redevelopment projects.
Secure green environments suitable to organisms of surrounding area.
Conduct greenings of factories and create biotopes with consideration tosurrounding vegetation.
Conduct greenings of residential area and rooftops, and park managementwith consideration to surrounding vegetation.
Secure green area when conducting development work, and manage it after
construction.
Formulate greening plans to interconnect segmented green areas.
Construct road crossing routes for small animals.

14

6. Collaborate with relevant international and nationalorganizations.
6-1 Promote collaboration by strengthening communication with NGOs, local
municipalities and educational, research and other relevant organizations.

(Objective)◎ Biodiversity issues are global problems, in variety of their nature, and very
complicated as they are closely related not only to scientific fields but also tosocial issues. Therefore, efforts by one company or industry can achieve only alittle in solving the issues. Only by sharing information among various humanresources/organizations, cooperating/coordinating/supplementing each other andwith efforts of the whole society, the possibility of solving the issues will be
increased and the scientific uncertainty will be complemented.

(Points to consider)(1) Cooperation with NGOs that actually involve in biodiversity in various area or
educational/research organizations brings knowledge beneficial to understandthe current status/issues of biodiversity.
(2) When establishing new office, consult with local public organization or local
stakeholders as such organizations and NGOs have information on regional
biodiversity. This consultation is beneficial as a preventive approach.
(3) Biodiversity conservation activities are generally for long term and need
continuous efforts. Whether local residents’ participation/cooperation isavailable or not is often a key for securing such continuity. Therefore, efforts todevelop awareness through promoting local community participation and makemerits for communities and residents (economic benefit and revitalization of thearea etc.) visible are important.
(4) Companies are expected to strengthen partnerships through not only financial
supports but also in various forms including physical supports, provision of
information and technical supports by utilizing their specialties.
When providing financial support, it is important to pay attention to how they
spend and keep the sense of purpose. For example, by providing financial support
with the purpose to contribute to human resource development of supported
organization, experts trained with the contribution will bring know hows to thecontributing company. This is a desired relationship.

(5) These cooperation in various forms might create new business fields or industry.

15

(Examples of activity)
1. Examples of cooperation with other company① Conduct conservation activities in cooperation with regional companies.
② Dispatch employees to events hosted by other company
2. Examples of cooperation with NGO① Support utilized supporting company’s technology.
② Physical support including temporally transfer of employees.
③ Cooperation initiated by participation to the “exchange meeting” or the“activity report meeting” organized by Nippon Keidanren Nature
Conservation Fund.
3. Examples of cooperation with local public organization or local office of the central
government.
① Participate as volunteers to thinning activities of public forests.
② Involve in nature conservation projects organized by local publicorganization.
③ Cooperate to create “company forest”.
4. Examples of cooperation with customers.
① Develop and promote uses of environment friendly products (ex. Certified
paper etc.)② Introduce matching-gift system.
③ Distribute acorns to customers and donate young trees raised by them to
NGO for forestation.
5. Examples of cooperation with supply chain.
○ Ask their cooperation (establishment of green procurement policy etc.)
6. Examples of cooperation with employees.
○ Prepare lists of employee volunteer activities.
7. Development of social system or business model that makes environmental friendly
products easier to buy.
○ Sell rice produced by producers whose methods are certified as the one that
supports living of organisms.

16

6-2 Disseminate and share experiences from activities related to biodiversity(Objective)(1) Currently, our efforts toward biodiversity are mainly based on each party’s idea
and being in a trial and error phase. The major reasons for this are
participations of multiple stakeholders are essential and knowledge about best
efforts for each issue has not been established yet. Therefore, to promotebroader communications and learn from each other, sharing examples of efforts
and knowledge including failure ones should be promoted. At the same time, it
is important to understand expectations and needs of stakeholders throughlistening to their opinions and to reflect them in the management.
(2) Company information and reports are getting more attention. Therefore,
biodiversity-related topics should be included as appropriate in such reports.
(Points to consider)(1) Put efforts to share selected information suitable to each receiver through daily
communications.
(2) Put efforts to share information that is easy to understand for any assumable
receiver.
(3) Promote disclosures of information on examples that can be applied in overseas,
especially in developing countries, effectively in global scale.
(4) Provisions of products and services in compliance with any certification system
related to biodiversity conservation might be ways of sharing information on
biodiversity to consumers.

(Examples of activity)① Information disclosures in corporate reports (environment/CSR/sustainability
report etc.) or on company website.
② Advertisements utilizing mass media including commercial messages.
③ Advertisements at events hosted by the company.
④ Welcoming visitors to in house biotopes.
⑤ Participations to events (international conference or regional event etc.)
hosted by other companies.
⑥ Sales promotions of products recommendable from the viewpoint of
biodiversity conservation.
⑦ Utilization of qualified certification systems on biodiversity.
⑧ Utilization of the Environment day (June 5) and the Biodiversity day (May22).
⑨ Presentation of study results conducted by the company at meetingsorganized by NGOs.
⑩ Information sharing and experience exchanges through “Japan Business andBiodiversity Partnership”

17

7. Spearhead activities to build a society that will nurture
biodiversity
7-1 Actively carry out environmental education activities for employees incollaboration with local communities, NGOs and other organizations.

(Objective)◎ For realizing sustainable business activities, we need to continue
biodiversity-oriented business activities and, at the same time, the direction ofbusinesses needs to be changed to the one that towards contribution tobiodiversity conservation. The most important issue is to nurture humanresources who can engage in business activities with the awareness of
biodiversity concerns.
(Point to consider)(1) Human resource training that links environmental impacts of businessactivities and biodiversity itself is desirable.
・ Trainings to recognize risks against company’s business activities caused by theenvironmental impacts of business activities and company’s efforts to avoid
exposures to such risks.
・ Trainings to gain recognition about how the company’s business activities dependon domestic/foreign ecosystem services.
・ Trainings to deepen understandings on social responsibilities for surrounding
regions of company establishments (impacts and contributions to regions).
・ Trainings to deepen knowledge on ecosystem services through experiencing thenature itself.

(2) Not only business activities but each department, employees’ families and eachindividual as well are expected to take actions at their possible extents forbiodiversity conservation. Therefore, for initiating such actions, provision ofopportunity for utilizing knowledge acquired from environmental education etc.
might be expected.
Trainings that provide an opportunity to review one’s own actions by self-analysis,
discussions and sharing of impressions gained through own practices andexperiencing the nature etc.

(Examples of activity)① Organizing seminars.
② Knowledge education by utilizing e-learning or intranet.
③ Environmental awareness development through experiencing the nature itself,
agriculture and forestry.
④ Providing an opportunity to review each person’s lifestyle by conducting
questionnaires.
⑤ Regular and continuous provision of information via in-house journals etc.
⑥ Showing short films on the environment.
⑦ Education of selected employees as environmental volunteer leaders.
⑧ Encouragement of taking certification exams.

18

7-2

Raise societal awareness of the need to nurture biodiversity.

(Objective)◎ Toward solving biodiversity issues, efforts of every stakeholder are required andsingle company’s efforts cannot achieve this goal. Making opportunities forcommunities to offer their cooperation is important to promotebiodiversity-oriented society as efforts of communities become more effective
when linked to efforts of companies.
The lack of biodiversity awareness is being pointed out globally. Therefore, byengaging biodiversity awareness developments by utilizing human resources
trained through employee education together with local stakeholders’ cooperation,
we need to offer our efforts and contributions to build up a climate in which asociety in harmony with biodiversity is achievable.
In addition, promotion of consumer’s choice of goods and services based on thebiodiversity awareness of their producing companies may bring feedbacks on suchcompanies’ efforts and contribute to build a society in harmony with biodiversity.

(Points to consider)(1) Efforts to establish a social climate in which efforts and merits of biodiversity
considerations are easy to understand or an incentive is offered to residents bycooperating with local public organizations.
(2) It is also beneficial to ask people engage in agriculture, forestry or fishery to get
involved as they directly get benefits from gifts of the nature (ex.
agriculture-commerce-industry cooperation).
(Examples of activity)
1. Awareness development of people other than employees.
① Employees’ families: environmental education for parents and kids atcompany-owned forest etc.
② Customers: sales promotion of environment friendly products
by offering trial uses.
: green procurements.
③ Supply chain④ Young adult segment : lesson on the environment incorporated intoelementally school curriculum.
⑤ Business partners: review of order specifications etc.
: promotion of environment-oriented business⑥ Group companies
activities from the viewpoint as group management.
2. Others① Supports for developing new products made from local agriculture products andtheir market cultivation.
② Biological survey of company-owned forests.
③ Featuring articles on biodiversity.

19

Linking relationship between biodiversity and lifestyle/ economic activities

The convention on biological diversity
SustainableUse

WelfareBiodiversity
conservation

Ecosystem/species/gene

Access to
Genetic
Resources &Benefit Sharing

Ecosystem services (Nature’s gifts)
Commodity Supply Food, clothes, housing, fuel, water, genetic resource, bio medical
science

Regulating/Purifying Air/water purification, climate regulation, natural hazard protection,
pest control
Function
Culture Creation Affectivity, sense of beauty, eco-tourism

LivingEnvironment

Management of
natural cycling

Education

Component cycling, water cycling, photosynthesis,
matter generation

Economic

Art &CultureCivil
Society

Science

Current status analysis of scopes of business activity and remediation planning.
Current status analysis (impacts on ecosystem)→Risk forecast→Remediation planning
Scope of business
Point of analysis and direction of remediation Example of remediation plan
activity/department
Material location
Assessment, in advance discussion with
Establishment of management
stakeholders (for preventive/adaptive
program for ecosystemmanagement of ecosystem)
conservation
Energy location
Management of
Study of company owned area as the area of
Utilization of the area forcompany owned area biodiversity resources
environmental education
Factory/office
Impact evaluation of business
Improvement of manufacturinglocation
activities/construction works, Impacts onprocess/method, development
surroundings of factory and office (rareand management of water source
forest/ocean species, endangered species,
forest or community forest,
conservation area etc.)
consideration to local culture,
cooperation with local NGO
Sales/distribution
Green procurement, prior use of certified
Certification of forestry/fisheryproducts, traceability, fair and equitableproducts (green cycling, SGEC,
sharing of genetic resources, consumer
SFC/MFC), Certification andprotection/trust/safety, cooperation withtesting of organic foodbusiness partners
Research andEnvironment friendly technology learned from Nature restoration/rehabilitation,
development
nature itself or traditions, gene issues, faircompliance with Bonnand equitable sharing of genetic resources
Guidelines, Bio safety
Finance
Selection of environment-oriented loans andEcosystem conservation fundinvestments, environment funds, rating index
Administration/human Environmental education promotion,
Environment leader training
resources
communication with local stakeholders
Environmental
In-house monitoring, development of
Ecosystem monitoring, LCA
managementawareness of employees/residents
CSR management
Socially responsible management,
Cooperation with NGO,
contribution to regional society
volunteering
PublicEnvironmental communication
Internal and external information
relations/advertising
disclosure
The above figure of linking relationship was prepared by referring to the value of biodiversity mentioned in theConvention of Biological Diversity (adopted in 1992) and ecosystem services described in the “Millennium Ecosystem
Assessment” (United Nations, reported in 2005).

20

<Reference>
Targets of the Strategic Plan for the Convention on Biological Diversity 2011-2020(Aichi Targets15) and Examples of Business Activities
20 Targets for Example of Activity
2020
Numbers in [ ] are the numbers of relevant action policies
Mainstreaming of Biodiversity
Target 1
People are aware of the values Inclusion of "biodiversity" into company policy. [1-1]of biodiversity and the steps Inclusion of "biodiversity" into business target setting
they can take to conserve and and planning. [1-2]use it sustainably
Promotionof
Employeecommunicationbymanagement [1-2]
Utilization of certification systems [6-2, 7-2]
Green procurement [6-2, 7-2]
Information disclosure by business reporting [6-2]
Accepting company visitors [6-2]
Environmental education for employees [7-1]Supportfortakingqualification
exams
onenvironment[7-1]
Environment awareness development [7-2]
Environmental education in collaboration withacademic institutions [7-2]
Development and marketing of eco products [7-2]Target 2
Biodiversity values have been integrated into national andlocal strategies/policies.
Target 3
Incentives, including subsidies, harmful to biodiversity are
eliminated.
Target 4
Sustainable production and Inclusion of "biodiversity" into company policy. [1-1]consumption
havebeen Inclusion of "biodiversity" into business target setting
planned and implemented, and and planning. [1-2]the use of natural resources are Promotionof
Employeecommunicationbykept within safe ecological management [1-2]limits.
Assessment of environmental impacts caused bybusiness activities and corrective actions based on theassessment results. [3-1]Improvement and monitoring of land use design andconstruction methods. [3-1]
Environmental considerations in managing company
property [3-1]Utilization, introduction and marketing of certified
products and eco-friendly products. [3-1]Green procurement [3-1, 6-2]
Resource recycling, 3R [4-1]Energy efficiency improvement [4-1]Improvement of yields [4-1]Technology development [5-1]
Utilization of certification systems [6-2]Information disclosure by business reporting [6-2]
Environmental education for employees [7-1]Supportfortakingqualification
exams
onenvironment[7-1]
Environment awareness development [7-2]
Environmental education in collaboration withacademic institutions [7-2]
Development and marketing of eco products [7-2]
B. Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use
Target 5
The rate of loss of all natural Assessment of environmental impacts caused byhabitats, including forests, is at business activities and corrective actions based on theleast halved and where feasible assessment results. [3-1]brought close to zero.
Improvement and monitoring of land use design and21

construction methods. [3-1]
Environmental considerations in managing company
property [3-1]Utilization, introduction and marketing of certified
products and eco-friendly products. [3-1]Green procurement [3-1]Conservation activities in areas or forests owned bycompany. [3-3]Ecosystemrehabilitation
activities
includingdevelopment of green space or green corridor. [3-3]Support/cooperation to NGOs’ conservation projects.
[3-3]
Resource recycling, 3R [4-1]Energy efficiency improvement [4-1]Improvement of yields [4-1]Target 6
The impacts of fisheries on Assessment of environmental impacts caused bystocks, species and ecosystems business activities and corrective actions based on theare within safe ecological limits. assessment results. [3-1]Utilization of certified products. [3-1]Green procurement [3-1]Contributions to promote eco-friendly fisheries locally[6-1]
Target 7
Areas
under
agriculture, Assessment of environmental impacts caused byaquaculture and forestry are business activities and corrective actions based on the
managed sustainably, ensuring assessment results. [3-1]conservation of biodiversity.
Utilization of certified products. [3-1]Green procurement [3-1]Utilization of thinned wood [4-1]Contributions to promote eco-friendly agriculture andforestry locally [6-1]Target 8
Pollution, including from excess Green procurement [3-1]nutrients, has been brought to Resource recycling, 3R [4-1]levels that are not detrimental to Reduction of usage of pollutants and chemical
ecosystemfunctionand substances, sound management [4-1]biodiversity.
Technology development [5-2]Target 9
Invasive alien species and Assessment of environmental impacts caused bypathways are identified and business activities and corrective actions based on theprioritized, priority species are assessment results. [3-1]
controlled or eradicated.
Considerations in conservation activities in areas orforests owned by company. [3-3]Support/cooperation to NGOs’ conservation projects.
[3-3]Population studies in collaboration with experts or
NGOs. [6-2]Target 10
By 2015, the pressures caused Promotion of energy saving [4-1]by climate change or ocean Improvement of energy efficiency [4-1]acidification on ecosystems are Technology development [5-2]minimized.
Introduction and marketing of eco-friendly products
including those contribute to energy saving. [6-1]C. Improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity
Target 11
At least 17 per cent of terrestrial Assessment of environmental impacts caused byand inland water, and 10 per business activities and corrective actions based on thecent of coastal and marine assessment results. [3-1]areas, especially areas of Improvement and monitoring of land use design andparticularimportancefor construction methods. [3-1]biodiversityareeffectively Environmental considerations in managing company
conserved.
property [3-1]Conservation activities in areas or forests owned bycompany. [3-3]Support/cooperation to NGOs’ conservation projects.
[3-3]Target 12The
extinctionofknown Assessment of environmental impacts caused bythreatened species has been business activities and corrective actions based on theprevented
andtheir assessment results. [3-1]conservation status has been Improvement and monitoring of land use design and22

improved and sustained.

Target 13

construction methods. [3-1]
Environmental considerations in managing company
property [3-1]Conservation activities in areas or forests owned bycompany. [3-3]Support/cooperation to NGOs’ conservation projects.
[3-3]Technology development [5-1]
Assessment of environmental impacts caused bybusiness activities and corrective actions based on theassessment results. [3-1]Conservation activities in areas or forests owned bycompany. [3-3]Support/cooperation to NGOs’ conservation projects.
[3-3]Technology development [5-1]Thegenetic
diversityofcultivated plants and farmed
and domesticated animals ismaintained, and strategies havebeen
developed
and
implemented for minimizing
genetic
erosionandsafeguarding
their
genetic
diversity.
D. Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services
Target 14
Ecosystems that contribute to Utilization of certified products. [3-1]
health,livelihoods
and Green procurement [3-1]well-being are restored and Technology development including bio-mimicry [5-1]safeguarded.
Learning from our ancestors’ livelihoods. [5-1]
Development and diffusion of business model or local
model [6-1]Target 15
Throughconservation
and Conservation activities in areas or forests owned byrestorationofecosystems company. [3-3](including at least 15 per cent of Eco
systemrehabilitation
activities
includingdegradedecosystems), development of green space or green corridor. [3-3,measures are taken for climate 5-3]
changemitigationand Support/cooperation to NGOs’ conservation projects.
adaptation
andcombating [3-3]desertification.
Sustainable use such as utilization of thinned wood
[4-1]
Support/cooperation to NGOs’ conservation projects.
[6-1]
Target 16
By 2015, Nagoya Protocol is in Compliance with relevant legislation or voluntary rules
force
and
operationalin such as Bonn Guidelines [2-2]consistentwithnational Support/cooperation to NGOs’ conservation projects.
legislation.
[3-1]
E. Participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building
Target 17
National strategy and action plan has been developed andimplemented.
Target 18
The
traditional
knowledge, Learning from our ancestors’ livelihoods. [5-1]innovations and practices of Support/cooperation to NGOs’ conservation projects.
indigenous
andlocal [6-1]communities are respected andintegrated
into
the
implementationoftheConvention.
Target 19
Knowledge, the science base Implementation of monitoring [3-1]andtechnologies
relating Support/cooperation to NGOs’ conservation projects.
biodiversity
areimproved, [6-1]widely shared and applied.
Disclosure of monitoring data [6-2]Target 20
The mobilization of financial Actions through oversea offices/local entities. [2-1]resourcesforeffectively Conservation activities by utilizing own products. [2-1]
implementing the strategic plan Donation of a part of revenue [3-3]should increase substantially Matching-gift [3-3]from the current levels.
Support/cooperation to NGOs’ conservation projects.
[3-3]Conservation activities (or cooperation to them) by
employees or their family. [3-3]23

<Glossary>
1

BIODIVERSITY or Biological diversity means life forms in variety of kinds andshapes exist and are mutually related. The Convention on Biological Diversity classifies
the following three levels of diversity.
① Diversity within species: Even within the same species, each growing environmentand genetic differences bring characteristic varieties.
② Diversity between species: Various species exist.
③ Ecosystem diversity: Ecosystems in which multiple living organisms are mutuallyrelated are in variety depending each regional environment
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ECOSYSTEM SERVICES mean benefits that human can obtain from ecosystem.
United Nations’ “Millennium Ecosystem Assessment: MA” reported in 2005 classifies
and explains ecosystem services as below.
・ Provisioning services: Materials or products obtained from ecosystem (foodstuff,
freshwater, timber, and fiber etc.)
・ Regulating services: Benefits gained from ecosystem’s regulating function against
nature processes (climate regulation, disease prevention, conservation of soil andwater, natural hazard protection etc.)
・ Cultural services: Non-matter benefits gained from ecosystem (landscapes, sense of
beauty etc.)
・ Supporting services: Nature’s cycling processes to sustain other services (nutrient
cycling, photosynthesis, and water cycling etc.)
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ECOSYSTEM is the concept that comprehensively summarizes inter-relationships

among biological organisms and among surrounding non-biological environments incertain area. Roughly speaking, it is classified as producers (plants), consumers(animals) and decomposers (micro organisms) and the process between decomposers to
producers are non-matter process. Inter-relationships among biological organisms arein variety, such as predators, preys, competitors, co-habitats and parasites, andcomplicated.

SUSTAINABLE USE means the use of components of biological diversity in a way
and at a rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biological diversity, thereby
maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future
generations. (Article 2, the Convention on Biological Diversity)

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SANSENSOMOKU SHITSU U BUSSHO is the concept that all components of

the nature have the spirit of Buddhism. Japanese view of nature that the nature allows
us to live and the lifestyles of our ancestors who enjoyed gifts of the nature like
community forests or gloves of a village shrine with feelings of reverence andappreciation are said to be based on this concept. SANSENSOMOKU SHIKKAIJOBUTSU also means the same.
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THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (CBD)[Objectives ] (see Article 1 of the Convention)① Conservation of diverse biological organisms on the earth as well as their living
environments.
② Sustainable use of components of biodiversity (biological organisms, ecosystems andgenetic resources).
③ Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic
resources.

24[Effective Date] December 29th, 1993
[Parties to the Convention] 193 countries and European Union (as of October 2012).
Japan accepted in 1993, US has not ratified.
[Conference of the parties (COP)] Held biennially.
 So-called the 2010 biodiversity target that aims at significant reduction of thecurrent rate of biodiversity loss by 2010 was adopted (the 6th COP held in Hague,
Netherlands in 2002)
 Decision to promote private sector’s participation (the 8th COP held in Curitiba,
Brazil in 2006)
 COP10 held in Nagoya, Aichi prefecture in October 2010 adopted a series ofdecisions including Post-2010 targets (“Aichi Targets”), ABS(“Nagoya Protocol”),
promotion of business engagement, etc.
 COP11 held in Hyderabad, India in October, 2012 adopted a series of decisions
including the strategy for resource mobilization, the financial mechanism, thescientific criteria for ecologically and biologically significant marine areas, thepreparations for the 1st COP to the Nagoya Protocol, etc.
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ACCESS TO GENETIC RESOURCES AND BENEFITS SHARING (ABS),

which was included in the Convention as one of its objectives, aims at the fair andequitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources,
including by appropriate access to genetic resources and by appropriate transfer of
relevant technologies, taking into account all rights over those resources and totechnologies, and by appropriate funding, thereby contributing to the conservation of
biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components.

BONN GUIDELINES (Bonn guidelines on access to genetic resources and the fairand equitable sharing of the benefits arising from their utilization) is the guidelines forformulating governmental policy on access to genetic resources and its benefits sharing
and preparing conditions (contracts) of mutual agreements between parties concerned.
This guidelines cover every genetic resources except human beings, related traditional
knowledge and benefits arising out of their utilization. Provisions regarding theapproval of the country of origin when using and benefit sharing by signing prioragreement between users and providers etc. are included. Adopted at the 6th COP heldin April 2002.

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CARTAGENA PROTOCOL ON BIODIVERSITY defines measures forpreventing possible negative impacts caused by living modified organisms (LMO)
against biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity (ex. LMO
trans-bordering process). This protocol was formulated in the discussions regarding
Article 19.3 of the Convention on Biological Diversity and adopted at the COP held inJanuary 2000 in Montreal. The protocol was ratified by Japan on November 21, 2003,
and became effective on February 19, 2004.
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NAGOYA PROTOCOL ON ACCESS TO GENETIC RESOURCES AND
THE FAIR AND EQUITABLE SHARING OF BENEFITS ARISING FROM
THEIR UTILIZATION is the international measure on Access and Benefit-sharing
10(ABS); The protocol defines 1)access to genetic resources should be managed by eachparty's national system, 2) the benefits arising from their utilization should be sharedin a fair and equitable manner based on a mutually agreed contract, and 3) certain
monitoring system should be established and implemented. The protocol was adopted at
the 10th COP in October, 2010 in Nagoya.

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NAGOYA –KUALA LUMPUR SUPPLEMENTARY PROTOCOL ON
LIABILITY AND REDRESS TO THE CARTAGENA PROTOCOL ON
BIOSAFETY supplements the Cartagena protocol on biosafety. It defines, among

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other things, each country should identify the responsible entity and ask it to makerestitution or reparation for the damages when exported or imported living modified
organisms affect local ecosystems. The protocol was adopted at the 5th MOP in October,2010 in Nagoya.

OFFSET, i.e. "BIODIVERSITY OFFSET" aims to compensate for impacts on
ecosystem caused by human activities such as commercial activities or project
development by creating biodiverse ecosystems in other areas.
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COMPENSATORY MITIGATION is a measure to compensate for impacts on theenvironmental losses caused by human activities. Mitigation is categorized into threelevels, namely avoidance, minimization and compensation. Compensation is consideredas the last measure to be taken among them. Compensatory mitigation isapproximately for synonymous with Offset.

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3R means “Reduce: reducing waste volume”, “Re-use” and “Recycle” and includes
effective use of by-products. In terms of biodiversity conservation, another import “R”,
namely “Restore”, is considered to exist.

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AICHI TARGETS, formally the "Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020", havebeen adopted by COP10 held in Nagoya, Aichi prefecture. It aims to realize "Living inHarmony with Nature" and agreed that “By 2050, biodiversity is valued, conserved,
restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet
and delivering benefits essential for all people.” It also defines 20 short-term targets(the mission) to “take effective and urgent action to halt the loss of biodiversity by
2020.”

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