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Asahi Kasei's Moribio Wetland: A Step Toward Biodiversity Conservation

Asahi Kasei Corporation, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, proudly announces that its Moribio wetland, located at the Moriyama manufacturing site in Shiga Prefecture, has been officially designated as a 'Nature Symbiosis Site' by the Ministry of the Environment in September 2023. This recognition aligns with the company's commitment to the global biodiversity conservation target known as 30by30, which aims to protect over 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.

The Moribio Project: A Commitment to Nature

Established in 2021, the Moribio wetland project reflects Asahi Kasei’s group vision of achieving harmony with the environment. The manufacturing facility in Moriyama relies on groundwater sourced from wells for industrial water, making wastewater management crucial for maintaining the health of the local ecosystem. Historically, the area has been connected to the community, notably through a pond that once served as a vital water source.

To promote biodiversity, the Moriyama facility collaborates with organizations such as the Shiga Prefectural Biwa Museum and local community associations. Efforts are particularly focused on the conservation of native freshwater species like the Hario fish, as well as dragonflies that thrive in wetland environments.

Conservation Efforts and Ecological Sustainability

The Moribio wetland is designed to create an ideal habitat for the Hario fish, which requires water temperatures below 20°C, along with maintaining wetlands and green spaces that support dragonfly populations. As a result of these conservation efforts, the facility has also been certified for the protection and breeding of the Hario fish under a regional initiative aimed at preserving rare species.

Going forward, Asahi Kasei aims to enhance its initiatives to further contribute to the preservation of local biodiversity and promote coexistence with the environment.

Understanding the 30by30 Initiative

The 30by30 initiative seeks to halt the loss of biodiversity, restore the connection between people and nature, and address regional economic, social, and environmental challenges through an integrated approach to maintaining healthy ecosystems. This objective also emphasizes Nature-based Solutions (NbS), which paves the way for sustainable development in harmony with natural resources.

The Nature Symbiosis Site Certification

The Nature Symbiosis Site certification program, launched by the Ministry of the Environment in Japan, aims to recognize private initiatives that contribute to biodiversity conservation. This initiative not only highlights the efforts of organizations like Asahi Kasei but also serves as a model for corporate responsibility in environmental stewardship.

Asahi Kasei’s Fuji Branch and Asahi Kasei Homes have also received similar recognition for their collaborative management of the 'Asahi Life Forest' within the Fuji Branch premises in Shizuoka Prefecture, showcasing a broader commitment within the company to environmental conservation efforts.

In conclusion, Asahi Kasei is dedicated to continuing these vital conservation activities, ensuring that it plays a significant role in the journey toward environmental sustainability and the preservation of biodiversity in the regions where it operates.