Protecting Natural Capital and Biodiversity

Basic approach

Our business and products are dependent on the blessings of nature. Recognizing water resources as a vital component of natural capital, we have identified the responsible use of water as one of our key sustainability priorities. Accordingly, we are committed to reducing water consumption across our domestic and oversease operation sites.In relation to biodiversity conservation within our supply chain, we conduct assessments of water stress in raw material sourcing regions and carry out initiatives aimed at improve soil health in wheat-producing areas.
We have supported projects focused on biodiversity conservation both domestically and internationally, including conservation natural resource and species, afforestation, and environmental education as part of our social contribution beyond the scope of our business. We are also working to ensure these blessings will continue to be available as a foundation of a healthy and fruitful life for people.

Participation in biodiversity conservation -related initiatives

• TNFD Forum

Keidanren Initiative for biodiversity Conservation

• Keidanren Declaration for Biodiversity and Guideline
• Keidanren Initiative for biodiversity Conservation

Japan Business Initiative for Biodiversity (JBIB)

• JBIB

• Participation in External Initiatives

Collaboration with the Nature Conservation Society of Japan

Our group has joined the Nature Conservation Society of Japan (NACS-J), a public interest incorporated foundation, and is working in collaboration with the organization to conserve biodiversity and realize a nature-positive society.
In the “Nature School for mothers and children" organized by the NACS-J, participants work to turn fallow rice fields into wetlands while playing in the mud. Through these activities, children learn about the importance of the satoyama natural environment. At the end of the mud play, they search for living creatures, and by visualizing how many more species they can find compared to the previous year, they are able to feel the results of their own efforts.In this initiative, about 40 participants from inside and outside Tadami Town worked together to conserve and restore the ecosystem of the 0.01ha Nunosawa rice field, an important area in Fukushima Prefecture.
In recognition of our contribution to GBF Target 3 (“30% conservation of land, inland waters, and oceans”), a Nature Positive Contribution Certificate was jointly issued to us by the Japan Nature Conservation Society and Tadami Town, Fukushima Prefecture, for our initiatives undertaken in fiscal year 2024.

• Nature positive contribution certificate (282.9KB) (Japanese)
• Collaboration with the Nature Conservation Society of Japan (1023.4KB)

• Social Contribution Activities
• Nature Conservation Society of Japan (NACS-J) (Japanese)

Support for the Kiritappu Wetland National Trust

Kiritappu Wetland in Hokkaido is Japan’s third biggest wetland. It has been registered under the Ramsar Convention due to the extremely important role it plays as a habitat for waterfowl. Wetlands fulfill important water recharge and climate adjustment functions and nurture a rich variety of life. They also benefit the local dairy farming and fishing industries. In 2021, the Akkeshi-Kiritappu-Konbumori Quasi-National Park was established as a representative landscape for the co-existence of people and nature. We are supporting the Kiritappu Wetland National Trust in its efforts to buy privately owned sections of the wetlands and to carry out conservation activities in order to leave a wonderful natural resource for future generations.

Connecting with local nature through a flora and fauna survey (Nisshin Milling Museum)

The Nisshin Milling Muesum, a corporate cultural facility located in Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture, where Nisshin Seifun was originally founded, has conducted a survey to understand how the natural environment and living beings in the region are interconnected. The results have revealed that the region is a habitat for a variety of birds and butterflies and that these can often be seen in the area around the museum.

Conserving the local coastline
(Thai Nisshin Seifun Co., Ltd.)

Since 2017, approximately 100 employees of Thai Nisshin Seifun Co., Ltd. have been participating in activities to revive the mangrove forests that grow along the regional coastline. Mangrove forests are able to absorb and store CO₂, which is a major contributor to global warming, and also provide a habitat for a wide variety of life. They are also expected to help protect the livelihoods of local communities from disasters such as tsunamis and high tides.

Sustainable wheat procurement initiatives

Two overseas Nisshin Seifun Group companies, Allied Pinnacle Pty. Ltd. (Australia) and Miller Milling Company, LLC (U.S.A.), are working in partnership with growers to promote sustainable agriculture, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from farmland, improving soil health through natural ecosystem processes, and fostering beneficial practices for farmers.
Within Japan, Nisshin Flour Milling Inc. has signed a business partnership agreement with the HOKUREN Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives and has started to explore initiatives toward the sustainable development of agriculture in Hokkaido and the reliable supply and procurement of Hokkaido-grown wheat. In addition to addressing issues that affect the reliable procurement of wheat, we also aim to contribute to a brighter future for agriculture and food and the enrichment of lifestyles by ensuring stable supplies of wheat as a vital food resource.