#Japan #Tokyo #NTT Group #Ecosystem Management #nature capital

Introduction

On May 28, 2026, NTT DoCoMo Business, NTT DoCoMo Solutions, and Biome Inc. announced the launch of their Nature Capital Monitoring Solutions. This innovative service allows businesses to visualize, evaluate, and continuously monitor the state of natural capital, including forests, water, and air, enabling nature-positive management and supporting ecological sustainability as outlined in the Ministry of the Environment's Nature Positive Economic Transition Strategy.

Background

According to this ministry strategy, around $44 trillion of the world's total gross value added, approximately half of the global GDP, depends on natural capital such as forests and soils. However, the degradation of biodiversity—essential for supporting this capital—is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. A shift towards a nature-positive economy that promotes the restoration and enhancement of our natural environment is urgently needed. This requires businesses and local governments to thoroughly understand the relationship between their activities and natural capital, as well as to continuously monitor and assess the real-time condition and impact of these natural resources.

Historically, monitoring natural capital has relied heavily on labor-intensive field surveys, leading to challenges related to costs and the continuity of monitoring efforts. In response to these difficulties, NTT Group and Biome Inc. have worked on developing a satellite image data-based technology for wide-area vegetation and species estimation. The fruits of this collaborative research have culminated in the launch of today’s solution, which offers efficient and ongoing assessments of the status of natural capital in designated areas.

Solution Overview

The Nature Capital Monitoring Solutions utilize advanced ICT tools to visualize and assess vegetation and species conditions across designated areas efficiently. By combining satellite image data with Biome's extensive biodiversity database, this solution can display the types and distributions of vegetation and species on detailed map interfaces. It provides users with actionable insights and analytical information for better decision-making.

Value Proposition

By leveraging satellite imagery, this solution can significantly reduce costs and expand survey ranges compared to traditional methods reliant on manual field investigations, ensuring better access to comprehensive data.

Output Image of the Solution

Company Roles

• - NTT DoCoMo Business: Planning and providing/selling these solutions.
• - NTT DoCoMo Solutions: Engineering and operation support, as well as development of a vegetation estimation AI based on satellite images (patent pending).
• - Biome Inc.: Estimation of animal and plant species while producing analytical reports utilizing their expertise in biodiversity.

Use Cases

1. Impact Assessment: Understand the effects of corporate factories or infrastructure on surrounding natural capital.
2. Real Estate Development: Evaluate the influence of new or redevelopment projects on local natural capital.
3. Supply Chain Analysis: Assess and address the risks related to natural capital within the corporate supply chain.
4. Forest Management: Gain insights into current conditions for better management practices.
5. Landscape Strategy Development: Support local governments in formulating landscape strategies and methodologies for biodiversity data collection.
6. TNFD Disclosure: Aid in nature-related financial disclosures for corporate accountability.

Case Studies

Drink Manufacturer

A beverage company implemented this solution to monitor the management of forests and ecosystems around its water-utilizing factories. By integrating this remote assessment with traditional methods, they have gained a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity and are considering expanding this approach to other facilities.

NTT DoCoMo

In accordance with its biodiversity mid-term roadmap developed in 2025, NTT DoCoMo plans to utilize this solution in significant ecological areas in Tokorozawa City. By supplementing traditional field investigations with ICT capabilities, they aim for lowered operational burdens and enhanced monitoring of biodiversity through collaborative efforts with regional stakeholders, thus contributing to local nature-positive initiatives.

NTT Urban Solutions

The NTT Urban Solutions Group is pioneering urban development that emphasizes biodiversity, implementing flora cultivation of native species and biotope establishment. They plan to utilize this solution to study urban green spaces and animal habitats in the Shinagawa Konan area, ensuring connectivity between the local environment and surrounding areas.

Launch Details

Launch Date: May 28, 2026

Pricing: Starting at 2,500,000 yen (excluding tax) for one area (25 km² standard coverage).

Future Developments

The three companies will integrate this solution with NTT DoCoMo Business’s IoT and AI technologies, advancing support for local biodiversity strategies and corporations' nature-positive management, while also focusing on comprehensive data collection and reporting on environmental disclosures.

NTT Group aims to enhance sustainable social practices through the visibility and strategic use of natural capital data, reinforcing their commitment to ecological responsibility.