Glory is engaged in a variety of activities for preserving biodiversity in collaboration with stakeholders such as local communities and incorporated NPOs.
Society receives immense benefits from nature, and therefore efforts to maintain and preserve biodiversity are necessary to enjoy these benefits continuously and far into the future.
Glory clearly recognizes the impact of its business activities on biodiversity and pursues a variety of initiatives to maintain and preserve biodiversity in collaboration with stakeholders, including local communities and NPOs.
Glory has promoted forest conservation activities in the Glory Yumesaki Forest located in Himeji, Hyogo in collaboration with the forestry cooperative.
From spring to early summer, we thin out one hectare of undergrowth per year among the hinoki cypress and broadleaf groves to allow the undergrowth to return. In addition, we plant 20 trees per year including mountain cherry and konara oak, to maintain the rich environment of local village forest.
In fiscal 2023, we held a one-day event with 37 participants (the Group's employees and their families) who enjoyed forest-thinning demonstration, planting saplings, and magazine rack making.
We conduct joint botanical and biological surveys with specialists to look into the types and growth status of plant life and scientifically examine the effectiveness of the Glory Yumesaki Forest for preserving biodiversity. During surveys, it was also confirmed that a rare species of woodpecker and frog, listed in the Hyogo Prefectural version of the Local Red Data Book were living in the area. We will continue to conduct this survey periodically in order to confirm the effectiveness of forest conservation as well as to determine what policies are required for future activities.
In fiscal 2021, we held a botanical survey in the area where we conducted tree-planting between fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2021. The survey found that the carbon fixation of this area has risen by 315 tons.
Each year in autumn we hold the Kids' Nature Workshop, aiming to pass on the importance of natural environment to the next generation. The workshop offers various programs for children and parents to have fun in nature, observing insects and plants while walking around in the forest.
In fiscal 2023, we welcomed a total of 34 members from 11 families (8 from the Glory Group and 2 from two partner companies), who enjoyed making photo frames with chopstick waste materials and making nests in the forest using biodegradable ropes.
In 2013, Glory expanded its activities into the Kanto region in collaboration with NPOs. Since 2017, we have participated in the Satoyama Restoration Project for the Utsugi Forest in Hachioji City (Tokyo), a designated greenery conservation area.
We also conduct cleaning activities along the banks of the Arakawa River (Tokyo) to promote environmental preservation. This offers our employees and family members the opportunities to learn about biodiversity. In fiscal 2023, we welcomed a total of 24 participants (the Group's employees and their families).