#Japan #biodiversity #Conservation #Coca-Cola #Tottori

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan's Commitment to Forest Conservation

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc., headquartered in Minato, Tokyo and led by CEO Karin Dragan, has proudly announced that its water source forest in the Ohyama region of Tottori, known as "Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Water Source Forest Hōki," has been officially recognized as a "Nature Coexistence Site" under the Regional Biodiversity Enhancement Act. This is a notable achievement, as it adds this site to another already recognized site, "Water Source Forest Ebino," marking a significant contribution to the preservation of biodiversity.

Since its establishment, Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan has been actively involved in promoting water resource conservation through partnerships with local governments and forestry cooperatives surrounding its 17 factories. These agreements have led to the designation of various forests as "Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Water Source Forests." The newly certified "Water Source Forest Hōki" encompasses approximately 425 hectares of forested area near the Ohyama factory and has been engaged in water retention activities since signing a forest conservation agreement with Tottori and Hokui Town in 2007.

The forest is home to diverse ecosystems, featuring red pine forests and deciduous secondary forests, which provide habitat for numerous plant and animal species. Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan is dedicated to fostering this biodiversity through a series of initiatives, including monitoring and protecting rare species, as well as addressing the challenges posed by invasive alien species.

In alignment with the Ministry of the Environment's goals to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, the "30 by 30 Target" aims to protect over 30% of terrestrial and marine ecosystems by 2030, ensuring the sustainable health of these environments. As part of this initiative, a new certification system for corporate forests, village areas, and urban green spaces was established starting from FY2023 to designate areas where biodiversity is effectively conserved through private sector efforts as "Nature Coexistence Sites." Beginning in FY2025, this initiative will be codified under the Regional Biodiversity Enhancement Act, paving the way for broader recognition and support of sustainable practices.

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan's "Water Source Forest Hōki" will also be registered in an international database as an Other Effective area-based Conservation Measure (OECM), further solidifying its status as a vital area for biodiversity conservation.

The company remains committed to maintaining and enhancing the forests around its factory water sources, continually striving to contribute to biodiversity preservation.

About "Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Water Source Forest Hōki"

The "Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Water Source Forest Hōki," located in the water source region of the Ohyama factory, covers 425 hectares and has been under a conservation agreement with Tottori and Hokui Town since 2007. This area, which is recognized for its strong connectivity to the Daisen-Oki National Park Protected Area, hosts a variety of ecosystems, including red pine forests and secondary deciduous forests. Many indigenous species have been confirmed to inhabit and thrive in this area, including 36 rare plant and animal species found in the forests, grasslands, and waterways.

This recognition underscores Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan's ongoing efforts towards modifying its practices to ensure environmental sustainability and to actively play a role in the fight against biodiversity loss.