Palsystem's Commitment to Sustainability
On April 25, 2023, the Palsystem Cooperative Federation, headquartered in Okubo, Shinjuku, announced its ambitious "Nature Positive Declaration." This initiative aims to combat climate change and ensure the conservation of biodiversity. By addressing environmental concerns from forests to rivers, rural areas, and oceans, Palsystem envisions a holistic approach to production and consumption that contributes to the restoration of nature and the preservation of the Earth's environment.
Turning the Tide for Nature
The declaration represents a significant step for Palsystem, which has previously undertaken individual activities with producers through direct sourcing. This new initiative seeks to view these efforts within the broader context of the Earth's interconnected ecosystem, elevating its impact. Palsystem has already been active in realizing goals such as creating a carbon-neutral society, a circular economy, and a society that coexists harmoniously with nature. The declaration marks the next phase in this journey, broadening the scope of its work in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry.
"Nature Positive," or "自然再興" in Japanese, encapsulates the goal of halting and reversing biodiversity loss to put nature back on a path to recovery. In alignment with the government's call for similar declarations through the Japan Biodiversity Framework (J-GBF), Palsystem is taking a proactive stance in this important dialogue about our planet's future.
Key Aspects of the Declaration
Palsystem's declaration outlines several pivotal actions aimed at enhancing environmental initiatives:
1.
Supporting climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation through multifaceted activities.
2.
Working closely with producers to understand the biodiversity of our ecosystems—such as forests, farmlands, rivers, and oceans—and the benefits they provide to our daily lives, ensuring that Japan’s invaluable natural heritage is preserved for future generations.
3.
Promoting environmentally friendly and resource-circulating agriculture to protect biodiversity and align agricultural practices with environmental conservation.
4.
Understanding the functions of forests and implementing support systems that make these functions sustainable as an industry.
5.
Advancing conservation and restoration efforts for rivers and oceans, with the aim of revitalizing sustainable fishery resources in Japan’s surrounding waters.
6.
Adopting a non-waste mindset to effectively circulate resources, encouraging everyone to practice and spread environmentally friendly lifestyles as a commitment to achieving the Nature Positive goals.
Palsystem's commitment to sustainability is bolstered by the efforts and cooperation of various stakeholders including local governments, corporations, and NGOs. The declaration is also anticipated to feature on special websites dedicated to the J-GBF initiatives.
The Bigger Picture
Palsystem is a leading consumer cooperative with a substantial commitment to sustainability, operating under the ideals of direct sourcing, cooperation with producers, and environmentally responsible practices. As of March 2024, Palsystem reports a total business revenue of 254.1 billion yen and serves over 1.735 million cooperative members across multiple prefectures in Japan.
By launching the Nature Positive Declaration, Palsystem is not only reaffirming its commitment to the environment but also setting a standard for other organizations to follow. By embracing these sustainable practices, Palsystem is paving the way for a resilient ecosystem that balances human needs with those of the natural world.
For more details, you can refer to the full text of the declaration available in PDF format. Further updates will also be featured on the special J-GBF Nature Positive Declaration site.
Learn More
Visit
Palsystem's official website to learn about their sustainability initiatives and efforts to foster a healthier planet.