#Japan #Kumamoto #Yachiyo Engineering #GNPS 2026 #SISI Innovations

Upcoming Dialogue in Kumamoto: A New Approach to Water Management

On July 14, 2026, Kumamoto City is set to host a significant event titled "Beyond Disclosure: A Bioregional Inquiry into Measurement, Trust & Capital." Organized in conjunction with the Global Nature Positive Summit 2026 (GNPS 2026), this dialogue invites stakeholders to explore the transformation of water management through collaborative discussions and innovative approaches.

Background of the Event

The pressing need for nature-positive initiatives—actions aimed at halting and reversing the loss of natural resources—has prompted a surge in organizations and communities focusing on the measurement, analysis, and disclosure of water-related risks and biodiversity. These efforts form the bedrock for understanding and addressing the state of nature effectively.

This dialogue builds on the framework established by the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), which underscores that disclosure of information should not be an end goal, but rather a starting point that influences funding flows and decision-making. Only by connecting disclosed information to tangible financial support for on-the-ground efforts in nature conservation can we achieve true ecological recovery.

Key Themes and Discussions

Participants in the dialogue will delve into these themes through various lenses. The discourse will be enriched by engaging with the Aichi River fishway in Shiga Prefecture, which serves as a model for examining how infrastructure projects can be seen not as endpoints but as beginnings for ongoing community and ecological stewardship. Discussion will focus on how to cultivate the relationships, jobs, and resources essential for sustaining such efforts.

Speakers and Central Questions

The dialogue will feature industry practitioners from river management, community initiatives, certification, and finance sectors. They are poised to share insights and pose critical questions to foster conversation:

1. Who will take responsibility for the river post-development?
- Daisuke Ueda, Deputy Head of Business Development, Yachiyo Engineering

2. How can community practices transition into the next operational framework?
- Michiko Yamaguchi, Founder of the Sanpoyoshi Partners Preparation Team, Senior Fellow at Higashiomi Sanpoyoshi Foundation

3. Who do we trust to perform the necessary work in the community?
- Masatake Fukao, Chair of the Social Enterprise Certification Organization, Vice President of Ryukoku University

Event Details

• - Name: Beyond Disclosure: A Bioregional Inquiry into Measurement, Trust & Capital
• - Date: July 14, 2026, 6:30 PM Registration / 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• - Venue: THE MOMENT (KOKO HOTEL Premier Kumamoto, 14F), 3-20 Sakuramachi, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture
• - Format: Standing reception and discussion session
• - Capacity: Approximately 18 participants (Pre-registration required, lottery system)
• - Admission fee: Free
• - Target Audience: Professionals interested in watershed management, natural capital, regional development, including sustainability, ESG, business sectors, financial institutions, governmental bodies, and community practitioners.

Organizers and Supporters

The Sanpoyoshi Partners Preparation Team is spearheading the event, aimed at establishing a circular community capital model through impact fund management. Major collaborators include Yachiyo Engineering and SISI Innovations, alongside organizations such as the Social Enterprise Certification Organization.

Registration

Interested participants can register via the following link:
Registration Form

Note: This event is not part of the official GNPS 2026 program, which takes place from July 14 to 16, 2026. Additionally, this event does not serve as an invitation for financial product solicitation or advisory. Individuals seeking to engage in a dialogue-focused environment, free from sales and solicitation motivations, are encouraged to attend.

For media inquiries, please contact:

• - Yachiyo Engineering: Marketing Department, Tokiromi—E-mail: [email protected]
• - Sanpoyoshi Fund: Executive Director, Nishimura—E-mail: [email protected]

Company Highlights

Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd.

Yachiyo Engineering specializes in river and water resource management, environmental studies, and urban infrastructure planning. Recently, they have embraced sustainability consulting, including support for TNFD compliance and natural capital assessments. Follow their journey at Yachiyo Engineering.

SISI Innovations Co., Ltd.

Founded as a 100% subsidiary of Yachiyo Engineering, SISI Innovations focuses on impact-driven investment, managing venture capital to generate social and environmental benefits alongside financial returns.

Located at CS Tower, 5-20-8 Asakusabashi, Taito, Tokyo, SISI is poised to make a difference in the funding landscape for sustainability initiatives.