Hitachi Systems and Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forest Owners' Co-operative Associations Announce Results of a Demonstration Project for Forest Nature Positive
Key facts
- Hitachi Systems and Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forest Owners' Co-operative Associations Announce Results of a Demonstration Project for Forest Nature Positive
- Hitachi Systems, Ltd., in cooperation with the Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forest Owners' Co-operative Associations, conducted a demonstration project for nature positive initiatives in an approximately 50-hectare forest in Gunma Prefecture. By combining Hitachi's forest analysis technology with Sunlit Seedlings' biodiversity analysis technology, the project calculated the economic value of the forest's water resource recharge function to be approximately 49 million JPY annually. These results are expected to be utilized for corporate sustainability efforts and future forest management plans, with Hitachi Systems planning to roll out this solution to companies and municipalities nationwide.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 28, 2026
Direct answer
Hitachi Systems, Ltd., in cooperation with the Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forest Owners' Co-operative Associations, conducted a demonstration project for nature positive initiatives in an approximately 50-hectare forest in Gunma Prefecture. By combining Hitachi's forest analysis technology with Sunlit Seedlings' biodiversity analysis technology, the project calculated the economic value of the forest's water resource recharge function to be approximately 49 million JPY annually. These results are expected to be utilized for corporate sustainability efforts and future forest management plans, with Hitachi Systems planning to roll out this solution to companies and municipalities nationwide.
- Citation
- Hitachi Systems and Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forest Owners' Co-operative Associations Announce Results of a Demonstration Project for Forest Nature Positive (May 28, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 28, 2026
Hitachi Systems, Ltd., in cooperation with the Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forest Owners' Co-operative Associations, conducted a demonstration project for nature positive initiatives in an approximately 50-hectare forest in Gunma Prefecture. By combining Hitachi's forest analysis technology with Sunlit Seedlings' biodiversity analysis technology, the project calculated the economic value of the forest's water resource recharge function to be approximately 49 million JPY annually. These results are expected to be utilized for corporate sustainability efforts and future forest management plans, with Hitachi Systems planning to roll out this solution to companies and municipalities nationwide.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 28, 2026 at 10:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 1, 2026 at 00:59 (86h 58m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 08:01 (31h 2m after Collected)
Hitachi Systems, Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Hitachi Systems), with the cooperation of the Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forest Owners' Co-operative Associations, announces the results of a demonstration project aimed at supporting corporate activities for nature positive, conducted in an approximately 50-hectare forest located in Gunma Prefecture.
In this demonstration project, Hitachi Systems' forest analysis technology and domain knowledge related to forestry, such as forest improvement, were combined with Sunlit Seedlings, Inc.'s (hereinafter referred to as Sunlit Seedlings) biodiversity analysis technology (environmental DNA analysis, GIS analysis, and field surveys) to evaluate the current state of the forest from the perspectives of water resource recharge function, carbon stock, and biodiversity. The project aimed to evaluate nature positive initiatives by calculating the economic value of the forest's water resource recharge function, confirming an economic value of approximately 49 million JPY per year. This evaluation data will be used by the Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forest Owners' Co-operative Associations to externally communicate the results of their forest maintenance and management, and is expected to be useful for the formulation and implementation of future continuous forest maintenance and management plans.
Based on the results of the demonstration project, Hitachi Systems will leverage its network of approximately 300 bases nationwide to offer this initiative to customers who wish to promote nature positive efforts, including companies and municipalities engaged in forest-based economic activities, and forest owners' cooperatives.
Background
The challenge of responding to "Nature Positive" to halt biodiversity loss and shift it to a recovery trajectory.
Currently, the Earth faces two enormous, deeply interconnected crises: "climate change" and "biodiversity loss." The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in December 2022, sets the realization of nature positive—"putting nature on a recovery path by 2030"—as a common global mission for all countries, companies, and local communities. Nature positive initiatives aim not only to halt the destruction of nature but also to reverse the loss and restore and increase nature.
Companies and organizations are also required to undertake nature positive initiatives from a sustainability perspective. The absorption and storage of carbon dioxide (climate change mitigation) and the reduction of disaster risks (climate change adaptation) are particularly crucial for achieving a decarbonized society. Amid this trend, frameworks like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) are being established, requiring the evaluation and disclosure of impacts on the natural environment and biodiversity.
Companies that utilize natural capital, such as manufacturers of beverages, food, cosmetics, and precision equipment that use forest-derived water, and social infrastructure businesses that operate using the natural environment like dams, are especially required to maintain a sustainable natural environment and conduct business activities in harmony with nature.
Overview of Demonstration Project Results
Succeeded in calculating the economic value of the water resource recharge function from quantitative actual data by applying the evaluation formula established by the Ministry of the Environment for the first time by a private company.
Enabled the evaluation of forest functions such as water resource recharge, leading to the formulation of more precise forest maintenance policies.
With the cooperation of the Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forest Owners' Co-operative Associations, which promotes biodiversity-conscious forest maintenance in Gunma, Hitachi Systems' forest analysis technology and domain knowledge were combined with Sunlit Seedlings' biodiversity technology to evaluate the water resource recharge function, carbon stock, and biodiversity in the target area. Furthermore, using the evaluation formula presented in the Ministry of the Environment's May 2025 publication "On the Potential for Utilizing Economic Valuation of Natural Capital," the economic value of the water resource recharge function was calculated using specific storage volume data from the evaluation site, a first for a private company in Japan.
Specifically, it was calculated that maintaining the water resource recharge function of the target forest prevents droughts, floods, and soil runoff, generating a benefit of approximately 49 million JPY per year for a total area of about 50 hectares, as an alternative to the depreciation and annual maintenance costs of a dam. A simulation of forest maintenance based on the "right tree in the right place" concept showed that an increase in benefits up to approximately 60 million JPY per year could be expected. By formulating forest maintenance policies based on more accurate current status assessment and analysis, we will provide hands-on support to promote corporate nature positive initiatives.
Future Developments
Based on the results of this demonstration project, Hitachi Systems aims to contribute to society and the local community, while enhancing corporate business continuity (business resilience) and corporate value. We will do this by quantitatively visualizing the value of forests, which are deeply connected to corporate activities, and providing hands-on support for the formulation and execution of science-based forest maintenance policies for nature positive.
Through co-creation with our customers, we will contribute to various environmental actions such as the Ministry of the Environment's "30 by 30 Target." Through these nature positive initiatives, we will work to realize a sustainable society where well-being is maintained, while protecting the Earth's environment so as not to exceed planetary boundaries.
Image of how the results of this demonstration project will be utilized.
Related Sites
About Carbon Credit Creation
About Forest Survey DX Service
Related News Releases
Hitachi Systems and Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forest Owners' Co-operative Associations to start a demonstration project for forest nature positive.
About Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forest Owners' Co-operative Associations
The Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forest Owners' Co-operative Associations is an organization composed of 15 forest owners' cooperatives in the prefecture. Based on the spirit of cooperation, it aims to conserve and nurture Gunma's rich forest resources and expand the use of prefectural timber. As a general consultant on forests and timber, it plays a central role in protecting and nurturing the region's forests through business management guidance and human resource development for forest owners' cooperatives, stable supply of timber, survey and design of erosion control and forest road facilities, and support for municipal forest management operations.
About Sunlit Seedlings, Inc.
Sunlit Seedlings is a startup from Kyoto University with the corporate philosophy of "Realizing a sustainable global ecosystem with the science of biodiversity!" It evaluates ecosystems and biodiversity using its originally developed method "Biosphere Viewer" based on ecological knowledge. It also provides support for redesigning and reconstructing ecosystems to achieve nature positive. The company offers analysis and consulting services in various fields such as environment, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and water treatment to a wide range of clients including general companies, municipalities, and public institutions.
About Hitachi Systems
As a company that supports the Social Innovation Business of the Hitachi Group, Hitachi Systems promotes sustainability management and provides one-stop services from system development to operation, maintenance, and construction. We contribute to enhancing our customers' corporate value through DX services that combine domain knowledge cultivated in the field with IT and OT, and managed services that realize a safe and secure digital environment. By solving social issues together with our customers, we will contribute to the realization of a truly affluent society, as stated in our corporate philosophy.
Reference Material
Details of the Demonstration Project
1. Objective
- To calculate the economic value of the forest's water resource recharge function for the purpose of evaluating nature positive initiatives.
- To formulate effective, data-driven forest maintenance policies after accurately assessing the current state of the forest, aiming to improve its water resource recharge function.
2. Demonstration Period
November 2025 - March 2026
3. Target Area
An approximately 50-hectare forest located in Gunma Prefecture
4. Implementation Details
Evaluated the current state of the forest from the perspectives of water resource recharge function, biodiversity, and tree growth. Calculated the economic value using quantitative data from the target area and the "Value and Evaluation Formula for Water Positive Initiatives" published by the Ministry of the Environment, and conducted simulations based on the "right tree in the right place" principle.
5. Methods Adopted in the Demonstration
Water Resource Recharge Volume Evaluation: "Simple Evaluation Method for Water Resource Recharge Volume (Storage Function) in Forest Land" published by the Forestry Agency in March 2026.
Economic Value Calculation: Utilized evaluation formulas from the Ministry of the Environment's May 2025 publication "On the Potential for Utilizing Economic Valuation of Natural Capital," specifically for ⑫ regional water conservation by preventing drought, ⑭ regional safety maintenance by preventing floods, and ⑱ maintenance of regional economic activities (industrial activities) by preventing soil degradation and desertification.
6. Results
① Estimation of Water Resource Recharge Volume and Calculation of its Economic Value
Combined Hitachi Systems' forest analysis technology and Sunlit Seedlings' GIS analysis technology to evaluate the water resource recharge volume and calculate the economic value of the target area.
Adopted the evaluation formula from the Ministry of the Environment's May 2025 publication and calculated that maintaining the target forest's water resource recharge function generates a benefit of approximately 49 million JPY per year in the target region.
Confirmed that a value increase up to approximately 60 million JPY per year can be expected if forest maintenance is carried out based on the "right tree in the right place" concept.
② Formulation of Data-Driven Forest Maintenance Policies
Visualized and evaluated the degree of tree growth and whether the environment is conducive to biodiversity recovery using Hitachi Systems' forest analysis technology.
Formulated forest maintenance policies based on the "right tree in the right place" principle by combining Sunlit Seedlings' carbon stock analysis and environmental DNA analysis results.
In this demonstration project, Hitachi Systems' forest analysis technology and domain knowledge related to forestry, such as forest improvement, were combined with Sunlit Seedlings, Inc.'s (hereinafter referred to as Sunlit Seedlings) biodiversity analysis technology (environmental DNA analysis, GIS analysis, and field surveys) to evaluate the current state of the forest from the perspectives of water resource recharge function, carbon stock, and biodiversity. The project aimed to evaluate nature positive initiatives by calculating the economic value of the forest's water resource recharge function, confirming an economic value of approximately 49 million JPY per year. This evaluation data will be used by the Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forest Owners' Co-operative Associations to externally communicate the results of their forest maintenance and management, and is expected to be useful for the formulation and implementation of future continuous forest maintenance and management plans.
Based on the results of the demonstration project, Hitachi Systems will leverage its network of approximately 300 bases nationwide to offer this initiative to customers who wish to promote nature positive efforts, including companies and municipalities engaged in forest-based economic activities, and forest owners' cooperatives.
Background
The challenge of responding to "Nature Positive" to halt biodiversity loss and shift it to a recovery trajectory.
Currently, the Earth faces two enormous, deeply interconnected crises: "climate change" and "biodiversity loss." The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in December 2022, sets the realization of nature positive—"putting nature on a recovery path by 2030"—as a common global mission for all countries, companies, and local communities. Nature positive initiatives aim not only to halt the destruction of nature but also to reverse the loss and restore and increase nature.
Companies and organizations are also required to undertake nature positive initiatives from a sustainability perspective. The absorption and storage of carbon dioxide (climate change mitigation) and the reduction of disaster risks (climate change adaptation) are particularly crucial for achieving a decarbonized society. Amid this trend, frameworks like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) are being established, requiring the evaluation and disclosure of impacts on the natural environment and biodiversity.
Companies that utilize natural capital, such as manufacturers of beverages, food, cosmetics, and precision equipment that use forest-derived water, and social infrastructure businesses that operate using the natural environment like dams, are especially required to maintain a sustainable natural environment and conduct business activities in harmony with nature.
Overview of Demonstration Project Results
Succeeded in calculating the economic value of the water resource recharge function from quantitative actual data by applying the evaluation formula established by the Ministry of the Environment for the first time by a private company.
Enabled the evaluation of forest functions such as water resource recharge, leading to the formulation of more precise forest maintenance policies.
With the cooperation of the Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forest Owners' Co-operative Associations, which promotes biodiversity-conscious forest maintenance in Gunma, Hitachi Systems' forest analysis technology and domain knowledge were combined with Sunlit Seedlings' biodiversity technology to evaluate the water resource recharge function, carbon stock, and biodiversity in the target area. Furthermore, using the evaluation formula presented in the Ministry of the Environment's May 2025 publication "On the Potential for Utilizing Economic Valuation of Natural Capital," the economic value of the water resource recharge function was calculated using specific storage volume data from the evaluation site, a first for a private company in Japan.
Specifically, it was calculated that maintaining the water resource recharge function of the target forest prevents droughts, floods, and soil runoff, generating a benefit of approximately 49 million JPY per year for a total area of about 50 hectares, as an alternative to the depreciation and annual maintenance costs of a dam. A simulation of forest maintenance based on the "right tree in the right place" concept showed that an increase in benefits up to approximately 60 million JPY per year could be expected. By formulating forest maintenance policies based on more accurate current status assessment and analysis, we will provide hands-on support to promote corporate nature positive initiatives.
Future Developments
Based on the results of this demonstration project, Hitachi Systems aims to contribute to society and the local community, while enhancing corporate business continuity (business resilience) and corporate value. We will do this by quantitatively visualizing the value of forests, which are deeply connected to corporate activities, and providing hands-on support for the formulation and execution of science-based forest maintenance policies for nature positive.
Through co-creation with our customers, we will contribute to various environmental actions such as the Ministry of the Environment's "30 by 30 Target." Through these nature positive initiatives, we will work to realize a sustainable society where well-being is maintained, while protecting the Earth's environment so as not to exceed planetary boundaries.
Image of how the results of this demonstration project will be utilized.
Related Sites
About Carbon Credit Creation
About Forest Survey DX Service
Related News Releases
Hitachi Systems and Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forest Owners' Co-operative Associations to start a demonstration project for forest nature positive.
About Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forest Owners' Co-operative Associations
The Gunma Prefecture Federation of Forest Owners' Co-operative Associations is an organization composed of 15 forest owners' cooperatives in the prefecture. Based on the spirit of cooperation, it aims to conserve and nurture Gunma's rich forest resources and expand the use of prefectural timber. As a general consultant on forests and timber, it plays a central role in protecting and nurturing the region's forests through business management guidance and human resource development for forest owners' cooperatives, stable supply of timber, survey and design of erosion control and forest road facilities, and support for municipal forest management operations.
About Sunlit Seedlings, Inc.
Sunlit Seedlings is a startup from Kyoto University with the corporate philosophy of "Realizing a sustainable global ecosystem with the science of biodiversity!" It evaluates ecosystems and biodiversity using its originally developed method "Biosphere Viewer" based on ecological knowledge. It also provides support for redesigning and reconstructing ecosystems to achieve nature positive. The company offers analysis and consulting services in various fields such as environment, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and water treatment to a wide range of clients including general companies, municipalities, and public institutions.
About Hitachi Systems
As a company that supports the Social Innovation Business of the Hitachi Group, Hitachi Systems promotes sustainability management and provides one-stop services from system development to operation, maintenance, and construction. We contribute to enhancing our customers' corporate value through DX services that combine domain knowledge cultivated in the field with IT and OT, and managed services that realize a safe and secure digital environment. By solving social issues together with our customers, we will contribute to the realization of a truly affluent society, as stated in our corporate philosophy.
Reference Material
Details of the Demonstration Project
1. Objective
- To calculate the economic value of the forest's water resource recharge function for the purpose of evaluating nature positive initiatives.
- To formulate effective, data-driven forest maintenance policies after accurately assessing the current state of the forest, aiming to improve its water resource recharge function.
2. Demonstration Period
November 2025 - March 2026
3. Target Area
An approximately 50-hectare forest located in Gunma Prefecture
4. Implementation Details
Evaluated the current state of the forest from the perspectives of water resource recharge function, biodiversity, and tree growth. Calculated the economic value using quantitative data from the target area and the "Value and Evaluation Formula for Water Positive Initiatives" published by the Ministry of the Environment, and conducted simulations based on the "right tree in the right place" principle.
5. Methods Adopted in the Demonstration
Water Resource Recharge Volume Evaluation: "Simple Evaluation Method for Water Resource Recharge Volume (Storage Function) in Forest Land" published by the Forestry Agency in March 2026.
Economic Value Calculation: Utilized evaluation formulas from the Ministry of the Environment's May 2025 publication "On the Potential for Utilizing Economic Valuation of Natural Capital," specifically for ⑫ regional water conservation by preventing drought, ⑭ regional safety maintenance by preventing floods, and ⑱ maintenance of regional economic activities (industrial activities) by preventing soil degradation and desertification.
6. Results
① Estimation of Water Resource Recharge Volume and Calculation of its Economic Value
Combined Hitachi Systems' forest analysis technology and Sunlit Seedlings' GIS analysis technology to evaluate the water resource recharge volume and calculate the economic value of the target area.
Adopted the evaluation formula from the Ministry of the Environment's May 2025 publication and calculated that maintaining the target forest's water resource recharge function generates a benefit of approximately 49 million JPY per year in the target region.
Confirmed that a value increase up to approximately 60 million JPY per year can be expected if forest maintenance is carried out based on the "right tree in the right place" concept.
② Formulation of Data-Driven Forest Maintenance Policies
Visualized and evaluated the degree of tree growth and whether the environment is conducive to biodiversity recovery using Hitachi Systems' forest analysis technology.
Formulated forest maintenance policies based on the "right tree in the right place" principle by combining Sunlit Seedlings' carbon stock analysis and environmental DNA analysis results.
FAQ
Can this technology be applied to forests in Taiwan?
Yes, technologies like GIS data and environmental DNA analysis are universal and can be applied by adapting them to Taiwan's specific geographical and ecological conditions.
What are the benefits for Taiwanese companies to use this kind of service?
It allows them to improve their ESG ratings, demonstrate supply chain sustainability, comply with environmental regulations, create new brand value, and concretely show their contribution to local communities.
How does this type of analysis help with TNFD compliance?
It provides scientifically-backed data to quantitatively assess the impact and dependency of business activities on nature, helping to identify risks and opportunities. This enhances the credibility of disclosed information.
What is the expected implementation cost?
The article does not specify a price, but it would likely vary depending on the target area size, depth of analysis, and types of surveys required. It is typically offered as a consulting service.
Is similar valuation possible for other natural capital, such as oceans or rivers?
Yes, technologies like environmental DNA analysis are also applicable to aquatic environments. It is highly possible that companies like Hitachi Systems will expand their services to ecosystems like oceans and rivers in the future.