#Japan #biodiversity #ER&S Keihanna #CTI Group #Seika Town

ER&S Keihanna’s Symbiotic Grassland Achieves Recognition

In a significant achievement for environmental conservation, the ER&S Keihanna Symbiotic Grassland, managed by the CTI Group, has been certified as a “Nature Conservation Site” under Japan’s Biodiversity Enhancement Act. This recognition was awarded during the second certification ceremony of 2026, held on January 13, recognizing the site's contributions to biodiversity preservation.

Understanding the Nature Conservation Site Certification

The certification for Nature Conservation Sites was introduced as part of Japan's commitment to the international flow established at the COP15 Biodiversity Conference in December 2022. This initiative aims at reversing the loss of nature by 2030 and establishing a world that coexists harmoniously with nature by 2050. The program aligns with Japan's version of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECM), targeting the preservation of biodiversity in private and public areas, including forests, rural landscapes, and urban green spaces.

The Environment Ministry's “30by30” initiative seeks to conserve over 30% of Japan's territory as natural areas by 2030, thus designating sites where biodiversity is actively preserved. There are three types of Nature Conservation Sites: “Maintain,” which protects existing natural environments; “Restore,” which reinstates lost environments; and “Create,” which develops new environments. The ER&S Keihanna Symbiotic Grassland is notably recognized as one of the rare “Restore” type sites in the Kinki, Chugoku, and Shikoku regions of Japan.

Overview of ER&S Keihanna’s Symbiotic Grassland

Situated in a valley in Seika Town, Kyoto Prefecture, the ER&S Keihanna Symbiotic Grassland is surrounded by forests and rice fields, encompassing a rich blend of flora and fauna. The western slope maintains a grassland environment dominated by Chigaya and Susuki, serving as a habitat for various species, including grasshoppers and butterflies. Additionally, the proximity of rice fields and ponds promotes the presence of aquatic insects and frogs, while nocturnal beetles and moths gather in this biodiverse haven.

CTI Group continuously manages this environment through regular grass cutting, fostering a habitat that supports rare and diverse plant and animal life. An innovative aspect of their approach is the integration of environmental DNA monitoring, which utilizes analysis to track species presence and habitat conditions, further enhancing the site's ecological value. This comprehensive management strategy led to receiving recognition from the Environment Ministry as a designated Nature Conservation Site.

Future Developments

Looking forward, CTI Group plans to leverage the expertise gained from this initiative to develop biodiversity support services, branded as “BD Navi.” The knowledge obtained from managing the ER&S Keihanna Symbiotic Grassland will be shared with other companies seeking certification as Nature Conservation Sites, empowering them to contribute to biodiversity preservation.

Additionally, CTI Group aims to enhance collaboration with local communities and employees and their families in restoring the lost rural landscapes, utilizing the Susuki grassland as a vital indicator of ecological recovery efforts. With a commitment to the “30by30” framework, CTI Group and the ER&S Keihanna Symbiotic Grassland are setting a benchmark for future environmental stewardship initiatives in Japan.