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Biodiversity

”Zenitanago” Release Event 2022 in Abiko Plant

Governance

Biodiversity Management Framework

In the Environmental Management Implementation Framework, NEC engages in environmental management as well as pollution prevention.

Participation in International Initiatives

In recent years, a variety of initiatives related to nature and biodiversity have been launched around the world amid climate change, and such initiatives are likely to be rolled out further and gain momentum over the next few years. NEC participated as a corporate member in the framework evaluation stage for international initiatives that might have an impact on the business world. By participating in discussions and the prototyping of frameworks at the idea stage, NEC stands at the forefront of global trends, searching for solutions that will help create a society in tune with nature.

International Initiatives  
PDFSBTs for Nature Nature SBTs are science-based targets for companies and local governments to act upon within the scope of their operations and jurisdictions. It is the nature version of SBT for the 1.5°C climate change scenario. The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) plans to release its target-setting method step by step from 2023 onwards.

NEC has been participating in the Corporate Engagement Program since 2022, helping to create a global structure.
new windowTNFD (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures, TNFD Forum) TNFD creates a framework for disclosing nature-related financial information for the purpose of directing the flow of global capital to activities that preserve and restore nature.

NEC participated as a member of the Data Catalyst in the framework development phase of the TNFD starting in August 2022. In June 2024, we published PDFNEC TNFD Report 2nd Edition.
new window30by30 alliance
30 by 30 is a worldwide initiative for governments which was agreed upon at the G7 Summit in 2021, to designate 30% of the earth’s land and ocean areas as protected areas by 2030.

NEC participates as an initial member of the 30 by 30 Alliance which is led by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE). As a company, NEC also aims to help expand natural environmental areas. In October 2023, Yotsuike at NEC's Abiko Plant has been certified as an new windowconseved area by MOE.

Strategy

Biodiversity is an important foundation for a sustainable society. At NEC, our environmental policies stipulate that individual employees should increase their environmental awareness and contribute to preserving biodiversity. We strive to minimize the impact of business activities and employees' lives on living organisms, and to actively encourage employees' activities that contribute to biodiversity and the provision of ICT solutions.

NEC Initiatives

Biodiversity Conservation Efforts at NEC Abiko Plant

The NEC Abiko Plant has a spring area on its premises, known as Yotsuike, which is thought to derive from the Tone River. Since 2009, NEC has cooperated with the Teganuma Aquatic Life Study Group to promote conservation activities in this area, aimed at the protection of the Oomonosashi Tombo (Copera tokyoensis) species of dragonfly. Yotsuike is a habitat for this dragonfly, which is designated as an endangered species IB class (EN) by the Ministry of the Environment.

In fiscal 2023, efforts to remove crayfish and other invasive species proved effective, as were efforts to establish an artificial dragonfly pond to serve as a habitat for the Oomonosashi Tombo. You can observe this dragonfly from several locations around the pond.

In addition, we also made effective use of the large volume of freshwater mussels discovered upon draining the Yotsuike in 2012, by using them to conduct preservation activities for an endangered species of IA type (CR) Cyprinid (Acheilognathus typus) in the aforementioned artificial pond at our business site. By providing a place for the Cyprinids to lay their eggs, the freshwater mussels played an important role in the Cyprinids' survival. In fiscal 2022, we will release some of the Acheilognathus typus to Yotsuike and observe the effects of the change in habitat.

Photographer: Kazuhiro Tamegai

We also hold an annual “Biodiversity Dialogue” to go over results and discuss future efforts with the Teganuma Aquatic Life Study Group, the city of Abiko, and experts in the field. Our activities spanning more than 10 years were recognized in fiscal 2022 with Select Committee's Special Award 2022 from the Nature Conservation Society of Japan, which is given to companies that make major contributions to the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of nature in Japan.
In fiscal 2023, together with the Teganuma Aquatic Life Study Group, NEC received the Culture Day Environmental Award of Merit from Chiba Prefecture. NEC will continue activities to realize a sustainable society through collaboration with stakeholders.

Removal of invasive species from Yotsuike
Biodiversity event with university students

Activities in Biodiversity Working Groups

NEC participated in biodiversity preservation activities as a member of a biodiversity working group made up of four organizations* from the electrical and electronics industry. The working group has supported corporate biodiversity initiatives with the publication of "Let's Try Biodiversity! (LTB)—First Corporate Activities in Biodiversity" and "Let's Try Biodiversity Pick Up!—Reducing Plastic Waste in the Ocean Starting on Land," which summarizes approaches to the marine plastic waste issue.

  • *
    Four organizations from the electrical and electronics industry:
    The Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association (JEMA),
    Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA),
    Communications and Information Network Association of Japan (CIAJ), and
    Japan Business Machine and Information System Industries Association (JBMIA)

NEC Paddy Making Project

In 2004, NEC Group has launched the "NEC Paddy Making Project" with the authorized NPO Asaza Fund. The project has a nature-oriented participatory program where participants get to experience a series of rice-related jobs, from rice planting to sake brewing, throughout the year in Yatsuda near Kasumigaura.

Risk Management (Including Opportunity Generation)

Risks / Opportunities Description Risk reduction measures /
Specific opportunities
Risks Alterations to the land at production sites, as well as underground and surface water consumption, wastewater and gas emissions and waste at production sites, may affect biodiversity in respective local areas. Since NEC's plants use organic solvents and acidic/alkaline materials, we carry out measures and training to prevent leakage into wastewater, the atmosphere, and soil.
Opportunities
(economic value)
Efforts to protect biodiversity around plants and neighboring areas will lead to cooperation with a variety of stakeholders and improve brand value, which might create business opportunities. Engage in activities such as the protection of endangered species and paddy field development to conserve biodiversity and promote exchanges with the local community.

Indicators and Goals

Item Target Outcome
Number of measures implemented to preserve biodiversity Conduct 10 or more activities per year 35 activities conducted