DNP Nagoya Plant's Green Space "Moriyama no Mori" Certified as a "Nature Coexistence Site" (Creation Type)

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) has been promoting initiatives since 2012 to maintain and restore local native vegetation in "Moriyama no Mori," a green space created within the premises of its Nagoya Plant (Moriyama-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture). This green space has now been certified as a "Nature Coexistence Site" (Creation Type) by the Ministry of the Environment and other organizations.

Award Ceremony

Certificate of Commendation

Moriyama no Mori

【About Nature Coexistence Sites】

The Ministry of the Environment began a program in FY2023 to certify areas where biodiversity conservation is achieved through private initiatives as "Nature Coexistence Sites." In FY2025, the "Regional Biodiversity Promotion Act," which legalizes "Nature Coexistence Sites," will be enforced, expanding the certification system to a joint program involving three ministries (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Ministry of the Environment) to include "Promotion Activity Implementation Plans" created and implemented by companies and their target areas.

There are three types of certification for "Promotion Activity Implementation Plans": (1) activities to maintain already biodiverse areas (Maintenance Type), (2) activities to restore biodiversity in abandoned management areas (Restoration Type), and (3) activities to create biodiversity in developed areas (Creation Type).

DNP's "Moriyama no Mori" has been certified as a "Creation Type" this time. Based on the results of continuous creation activities after certification, it will be registered as an OECM (Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures)*1 when it meets biodiversity value criteria.

【Background of Initiatives at "Moriyama no Mori"】

Leveraging the regional characteristics adjacent to the Shonai River in Aichi Prefecture, the DNP Group began environmental improvement within its premises in 2012, aiming to restore bright grassland environments dominated by cogongrass and bamboo grasses. While many native plants were confirmed in the green space within the plant, the invasion of alien species was progressing, posing a challenge to maintaining ecological balance. To address this issue, in 2013, planting and artificial water sources (birdbaths) for wild birds were installed. Since then, with the support of the "Aichi Eastern Hills Ecosystem Network Council"*2, surveys have been conducted to expand and maintain biotopes (biological habitats), and conservation activities including ex-situ conservation of rare species and measures against alien species have been carried out. Currently, DNP is working to improve biodiversity within its corporate activities by collaborating with government agencies and experts to monitor and refine activity plans.

【Overview and Features of Initiatives at "Moriyama no Mori"】

1. Conservation of Grassland Ecosystems with the Common Jay Butterfly as an Indicator Species

Focusing on the conservation of the Common Jay butterfly, a near-threatened species on the Nagoya City Red List, DNP continuously works to maintain and restore native vegetation that supports the ecological chain. Specifically, by planting Aristolochia debilis, the food plant for the Common Jay butterfly, and monitoring adults and larvae, an environment where their life stages can be observed within the premises has been created, contributing to the conservation of rare species.

2. Creation of Diverse Habitats Centered on Waterside Biotopes

DNP manages water levels using well water and rainwater, controls water quality (pH management), and maintains low-growing native plant communities through grassland management. By creating waterside environments and removing Typha latifolia to improve water quality, habitats are developed for various growth stages of dragonflies and frogs. Additionally, stone stacking and setting aside unweeded sections secure habitats for insects. The expansion of the biotope has also led to the confirmed visits of rare mammals such as red foxes and raccoons. The appearance of aquatic and terrestrial species is regularly recorded, and their habitats are improved.

3. Systematic Monitoring and Eradication System for Alien Species

DNP systematically removes alien species such as tall goldenrod, large-flowered tickseed, and red-eared slider turtles, while monitoring their invasion status to conserve native species.

4. Monitoring System in Collaboration with Government, Companies, and University Experts

With advice from government agencies, companies, and university experts, activity plans are regularly improved, and surveys targeting a wide range of species including birds, fish, insects, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals are continuously conducted. A sustainable system is in place to promote comprehensive ecosystem conservation and the formation of regional networks.

【Future Developments】

DNP will continue to manage the grassland and waterside vegetation at "Moriyama no Mori," gradually improving it towards the target vegetation for 2026-2031. Specifically, to increase the possibility of attracting and inhabiting new rare species (such as the Pale Grass Blue and Small Heath butterflies) following the Common Jay butterfly, DNP plans to expand the introduction of food plants and nectar plants. Additionally, ex-situ conservation plans for rare species such as frogs and Southern Medaka will be promoted in the waterside areas.

In 2023, DNP obtained "Nature Coexistence Site" certification for "Ichigaya no Mori," which is being developed as "a new forest in the city" on the premises of its head office in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo*3. DNP will continue to promote various initiatives to build a nature-coexisting society and achieve nature-positive outcomes (halting and reversing the loss of natural ecosystems), while deepening communication with local communities.

*1 About OECM → https://policies.env.go.jp/nature/biodiversity/30by30alliance/documents/flyer30by30.pdf

*2 Activities as part of the Aichi Forest and Greenery Creation Ecosystem Network Formation Project by the "Aichi Eastern Hills Ecosystem Network Council"

*3 Ichigaya no Mori Nature Coexistence Site Certification → https://www.dnp.co.jp/news/detail/20169882_1587.html

*Company names and product names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

*The content is current as of the announcement date. Please note that it may change without prior notice.