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.

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.

Risks and Opportunities

Risk Assessment

For our own production sites and hardware-related suppliers considered to have relatively high impact on natural capital, we are collecting information using the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) on regions around each site that are important for biodiversity conservation, as well as the presence of endangered species.
Based on information such as the distance of each site from protected areas and the number of endangered species present, we are working to identify sites that warrant deeper investigation. Going forward, we plan to conduct interviews and surveys to confirm the status of biodiversity risk reduction efforts and consider appropriate actions.

Opportunities

We believe that 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.
At the Abiko Plant, NEC Solution Innovators hosted a workshop led by Mr. Frantz Dhers of the nonprofit organization Nelis, where NEC Group employees explored “Biodiversity x Business Idea Generation.” We are seeking ways to coexist with nearby nature and make ecosystem conservation economically sustainable.

NEC Initiatives

Biodiversity Conservation Efforts at NEC Abiko Plant

The NEC Abiko Plant is host to an area of spring-fed ponds. Known as Yotsuike, these ponds are thought to originate 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 classified as EN (endangered IB Class) by the Ministry of the Environment. Furthermore, since 2015 NEC has been protecting Zenitanago (Acheilognathus typus species of bitterling-like cyprinid) that is classified as CR (endangered IA Class) in an artificial pond on the premises. We also hold an annual Biodiversity Dialogue to go over results and discuss plans going forward with the Teganuma Aquatic Life Study Group, experts in the field and the city of Abiko, Chiba Prefecture. In 2023, the Yotsuike area at the Abiko Plant was certified as a Nature Coexistence Site by the Ministry of the Environment.

NEC is working to preserve the Yotsuike area, and is contributing to ecosystem protection in the region by sharing its experience with local governments, civic organizations, and other companies. In addition to hosting site visits, NEC participates in the “Biodiversity Chiba Company Network,” where it shares information about its Yotsuike initiatives with the Chiba Biodiversity Center and other member companies engaged in ecosystem protection within Chiba Prefecture.

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.

NEC Paddy Making Project

Since 2004, in collaboration with the authorized NPO Asaza Fund, we have been conducting the NEC Paddy Making Project with the aim of restoring abandoned farmland and preserving biodiversity in the Lake Kasumigaura basin. 
The project is a nature-oriented program where participants can experience a series of rice-related jobs, from rice planting to sake brewing, throughout the year. In 2023, the project’s paddy in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture was certified as one of the Ministry of the Environment’s Monitoring Sites 1000.
We are also using the rich natural environment of Yotsuike and the rice fields in the area as testing grounds for ICT solutions. NEC Solution Innovators is currently conducting a species diversity survey using environmental DNA. 
NEC will continue to work toward the realization of a sustainable society through collaboration with a variety of stakeholders.

Participation in the Japan Food & Agriculture Summit (JAFAS)

NEC is the only IT company participating in JAFAS, working to address sustainability challenges. We strongly support JAFAS’s mission to bring together stakeholders in food and agriculture, including companies, government agencies, agricultural institutions, non-profits, academia, and consumers, to share knowledge on sustainable food and agriculture from Japan to Asia and the world, establish a highly implementation-oriented network, and promote and support innovation in participating companies’ business activities.
Members from our agricultural ICT solutions business are participating and collaborating with Japanese food and beverage companies to explore regenerative agriculture.