Kyoto University and Panasonic HD Conclude Partnership Agreement for Promoting Forest, Satoyama, and Sea Interconnectedness Studies and Achieving Nature Positive

The Field Science Education and Research Center of Kyoto University (hereinafter "Kyoto University FSERC") and Panasonic Holdings Corporation (hereinafter "Panasonic HD") have concluded a partnership agreement to promote the "Connectivity of Hills, Humans and Oceans" (Mori-Sato-Umi Renkan-gaku) and facilitate exchange between the two organizations, centered on collaboration toward achieving a "Nature Positive" future. Under this agreement, the two parties aim to contribute to the development of a sustainable society by deepening collaboration in fields such as human resource development, research, social contribution, and the conservation of nature and ecosystems. This will be achieved by combining Kyoto University FSERC's long-term and wide-ranging expertise in field research with the corporate activity sites owned by Panasonic HD. Moving forward, the partners will develop practical initiatives to implement research results in society and create ripple effects in local communities. These efforts will apply assessment methods for biodiversity and ecosystem functions—centered on carbon/nitrogen cycling and environmental DNA (eDNA), which have been spearheaded by researchers at Kyoto University FSERC—to fields such as the "Forest of Coexistence" (Kyozon-no-Mori) and factory green spaces owned by the Panasonic Group in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture. The details of the initiatives based on this agreement are as follows: **** 1. Establishment and operation of a liaison committee for achieving Nature Positive. 2. Human resource development contributing to the cultivation of environmental protection awareness and social implementation. 3. Implementation of research themes regarding the assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem functions. 4. Implementation of research themes regarding the sustainable utilization of natural resources. 5. Implementation of research on assessment methods for biodiversity and ecosystem functions centered on carbon/nitrogen cycling and environmental DNA (eDNA). 6. Implementation of research utilizing the "Forest of Coexistence" and factory green spaces owned by the Panasonic Group, and contribution to eco-networks (ecosystem network construction) with surrounding areas. **【Contact Information】** * **Kyoto University Field Science Education and Research Center, Education and Research Support Office** TEL: 075-753-6420 FAX: 075-753-6451 Email: fserc-info@mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp * **Panasonic Holdings Corporation, Corporate R&D Strategy Office, Technology Communications** Email: crdpress@ml.jp.panasonic.com Please see the full press release at the link below. ▼ [Press Release] Kyoto University and Panasonic HD Conclude Partnership Agreement to Promote "Connectivity of Hills, Humans and Oceans" and Achieve Nature Positive (April 3, 2026) https://news.panasonic.com/jp/press/jn260403-2 **** * **Kyoto University FSERC - Field Science Education and Research Center, Kyoto University** https://fserc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/wp/ * **Panasonic Holdings (PHD) Technology Division** https://tech.panasonic.com/jp/phd/