Biodiversity conservation activities
The Furukawa Company Group has been promoting activities for the preservation and restoration of biodiversity which include continuous greening activities and sound development of mountains and forests.
Approach to Biodiversity
Based on the Biodiversity Action Guidelines established in 2012, the Group has been promoting activities for the preservation and restoration of biodiversity. These include continuous greening activities and sound development of mountains and forests.
Rather than using introduced species, we select native species of local origin for our greening activities.
In the Matsuki Valley (Ashio-machi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture), the formerly abundant nature is coming back. The ecological pyramid with birds of prey, is being reshaped. The Ashio area, which includes the Matsuki Valley, is inhabited by large wild animals such as Asian black bears and species designated as special natural monuments such as the serow, sika deer, Japanese macaque, foxes, and others.
Going forward, we will carry on with greening efforts not only in the Ashio area, but at company-owned properties throughout Japan, furthering activities for the restoration and recovery of abundant ecosystems.
Promoting Biodiversity Protection Activities
Firefly Rehabilitation Project at the Site of the Former Kune Mine and the Former Ashio Copper Mine
Fireflies are organisms that reflect environmental conditions, with their presence considered a sign of a healthy water environment. It is said that Genji-Botaru (Luciola cruciata) used to dance wildly at the former Kune Mine (Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture), which, along with the Asio Copper Mine once supported the copper-producing operations of Furukawa Co., Ltd. With the aim of restoring an environment where fireflies can live sustainably and leave it to the next generation, our Environmental & Safety Management Department has continued restoration activities at the former mine sites. As a result, the fireflies can now be seen dancing from late June to early July each year.
The Department also works with the Asio Office to protect and restore other natural environment in the Asio area, which is a habitat for such familiar creatures as fireflies, dragonflies, and beetles.
In fiscal 2021, we began firefly restoration activities at the former Asio Copper Mine site (Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture), and in fiscal 2022 we were able to confirm the existence of active fireflies. In fiscal 2024, many fireflies were seen flying around, attracting local residents who came to enjoy the viewing.
We will continue striving to restore the rich ecosystem and focus on preserving and regenerating environments where fireflies can flourish throughout their lives.
The Great Japanese Horse Chestnut Tree in the Onuma Mountain Forest
In the Onuma Mountain Forest (within company-owned land) in Toyone-mura, Kitashitara-gun, Aichi Prefecture, there is an enormous Japanese horse chestnut tree (root circumference 15.3m; diameter at breast height 7.48m; diameter at eye level 7.45m; height 32.5m; branch length 46m; estimated age several centuries) that we have been carefully safeguarding for many years. This tree has been an object of local worship as a sacred tree inhabited by the protector god of the mountain. One of the largest trees in Japan, it has a powerful presence that overwhelms the Japanese cedars around it.
It flowers every year from May to June, and the horse chestnuts it bears are transformed into horse chestnut rice cakes and other sweets with the help of local residents.
In April 2008, the tree was designated a natural monument of Toyone-mura, Aichi Prefecture, and in July 2022, it was newly selected to be a designated cultural property (natural monument) of Aichi Prefecture. The Company will continue its ongoing activities to protect the tree with great care.