From Forest Maintenance to a New Phase of 'Resource Circularity': AstraZeneca, Kishiwada City, and Osaka Prefecture Renew Adopt Forest Agreement

AstraZeneca K.K. has renewed its 'Adopt Forest' agreement with Kishiwada City and Osaka Prefecture for an additional five years, effective April 30, 2026, following the expiration of the previous term on April 29, 2026. This partnership, part of Osaka Prefecture’s initiative for businesses to engage in 'forest creation' as a form of environmental conservation, has been ongoing since 2021. Ahead of 'Forest Day' on May 20, we are pleased to announce the next phase of this initiative, focused on forest regeneration, resource circulation, and contributions to regional and marine environments.

Under this renewed agreement, we will advance efforts to utilize harvested bamboo as a valuable resource. This evolution aims to construct a model of a 'Regional Circular and Ecological Sphere' that links forests to local communities and eventually to the sea. The forest subject to this initiative is affectionately named 'Asu no Mori' (Forest of Tomorrow) by our employees, reflecting their wish for the forest to grow together with the local community toward the future.

Over the past five years (2021–2026), we successfully completed the maintenance of approximately 0.5 hectares within AstraZeneca’s designated 0.9-hectare area. Approximately 800 employees and their family members participated in activities, including clearing dense bamboo groves and collecting waste buried in the soil. These efforts ensured sunlight reached the forest floor, promoting ecosystem recovery. As a result, biodiversity has significantly returned, with sightings of owls, wild lily, wild strawberries, and the native 'Schlegel's tree frog.'

Kishiwada Mayor Hidetoshi Sano stated: 'I am delighted that our strong partnership with AstraZeneca and Osaka Prefecture continues. Through past activities, the area, previously an abandoned and degraded bamboo grove, is now filled with light and life. Going forward, we will place the effective utilization of bamboo resources, a key priority for our city, at the core of this agreement. We have high expectations for this project, which pioneers a 'Regional Circular and Ecological Sphere' where forest regeneration contributes to marine abundance and regional vitality.'

Director of the Sen-shu Office for Agriculture and Greenery, Osaka Prefecture, added: 'We deeply appreciate the vigorous activities over the past five years and are very pleased to renew this agreement. In the Sen-shu region, including Kishiwada City, bamboo groves have been expanding, and their proper management is crucial not only for landscape improvement and biodiversity but also for promoting local interaction and preventing sediment-related disasters. For the next five years, we look forward to seeing this become a leading example of sustainable forest management in the prefecture, incorporating the use of bamboo resources toward a circular society.'

Andrew Barnett, President of AstraZeneca K.K., commented: 'AstraZeneca has been working on regenerating the natural environment together with the people of Kishiwada City and Osaka Prefecture through our Adopt Forest initiative. I am proud that so many employees and their families participated and contributed to improving the forest floor environment and restoring biodiversity. With this renewal, I am excited to build on our achievements and move into a new stage over the next five years, where we utilize bamboo as a resource. Human health is supported by a healthy planet, and we will continue to collaborate with the local community to create value for future generations.'

[Overview of the New Agreement] (2026–2031)

- Agreement Name: 'Adopt Forest: AstraZeneca’s Forest' Agreement
- Period: April 30, 2026 – April 29, 2031 (5 years)
- Location: Yumemigaoka Kishiwada Nature Area (Inaba-cho, Kishiwada City) Area: Approx. 0.9 hectares
- Parties: Kishiwada City, AstraZeneca K.K., Osaka Prefecture
- Objectives:
1. Improving forest ecosystem health through proper management of bamboo groves.
2. Preserving the natural environment from forest to sea through circular use of bamboo resources.
3. Contributing to greenhouse gas reduction and regional decarbonization.
4. Forming and promoting a 'Regional Circular and Ecological Sphere' model through co-creation by businesses, local communities, and government.

[Future Vision]: From 'Maintenance' to 'Utilization'

- Promoting Resource Circulation: Advanced utilization of harvested bamboo as construction materials, soil conditioners, carbonized materials, etc.
- Contributing to Marine Environments: Using bamboo resources as artificial reefs and environmental improvement materials, connecting to the preservation of the Osaka Bay ecosystem.
- Contributing to Decarbonization: Promoting carbon sequestration through bamboo carbonization, strengthening functions as climate change mitigation.