Initiatives to Conserve Biodiversity

Environmentally friendly housing development (SEGES certified)

Teriha The Tower, a condominium for sale in Kashii Teriha, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, is a project developed under the Social and Environmental Green Evaluation System (SEGES) PDC (*1), as a “plan with extensive green space of 3,000 m2 or more and green space that contributes to society and the environment.”
A forest of tabunoki trees, a natural type of vegetation, is located on the north side of the site, and a forest of deciduous broad-leaved trees (satoyama forest) is located on the south side, creating an environment that takes the local natural environment into consideration.
In addition, the lush green open space has been developed under the theme of “connection with the community,” including the establishment of a community exchange facility that can be used for environmental activities utilizing the surrounding green space and waterfront, and other socially oriented green space open not only to residents but also to the community.
In the future, the green space will be maintained and managed with biodiversity in mind, and will be used as a place for residents and the local community to touch and learn about nature. 

*1 Social and Environmental Green Evaluation System SEGES (Organization for Landscape and Urban Green Infrastructure)
Third-party evaluation and certification of good green spaces created by companies, etc. and their daily activities and initiatives as contributing to society and the environment, and as well-maintained green spaces.

Environmentally friendly housing development (ABINC certified)

The Tsukuba Well-Being Project, a condominium for sale in Takezono, Tsukuba City, was developed as a project certified by the “Business Location in Harmony with Nature Certification (ABINC Certification)” (*2), an external accreditation system focused on biodiversity.

On the vast site of over 22,000 m², surveys were conducted on the surrounding natural environment and the history of the land. Over 6,500 m², accounting for more than 25% of the total area, was allocated to spaces that promote biodiversity, including the planting of vegetation that attracts species such as warbling white-eyes and pygmy woodpeckers, as well as butterflies like the arhopala japonica and the ypthima argus, along with the installation of birdhouses.

*2 ABINC certification (Association for Business Innovation in Harmony with Nature and Community)

Third-party evaluation and certification of corporate efforts to create, manage, and use green spaces in consideration of biodiversity, with the aim of contributing to a world in which it is easier to use land in harmony with nature, local communities, and the natural environment.

Promotion of Wooden Structures

In the "Tsukuba Well-Being Project" , plans were made to use wood appropriately for the primary structural components of the multi-unit residential buildings, resulting in the construction of a wooden communal facility, the “Common Villa.” By effectively utilizing forest resources, the project contributes to the creation of a sustainable social and environmental framework. Residents can enjoy the calming and relaxing effects of the warmth of wood.

Additionally, this project preserves and incorporates existing trees into the development. In the green space along the boundary of the site, the project primarily preserves the naturally established mixed woodland species that originally thrived in the area. The existing trees help maintain harmony with the surrounding landscape and environment.

The wooden communal facility, “Common Villa,” of the Tsukuba Well-Being Project

Uminonakamichi Kaiyo Seitai Kagakukan Co., Ltd. (Preservation of the outer habitat of rare freshwater species)

Marine World Uminonakamichi is working to protect freshwater organisms that have become scarce in the natural world due to environmental changes and other factors outside their natural habitats. Rare freshwater fish such as the Japanese baratanago and Hakata striped loach are bred in the aquarium as an insurance policy in case wild populations decline. We have created rice paddies and biotopes in the adjacent national Uminonakamichi Seaside Park to preserve the outer habitat of rare freshwater species. We also conduct educational activities to inform as many people as possible about the conditions in which creatures are living through exhibits at the aquarium.

Uminonakamichi Kaiyo Seitai Kagakukan Co., Ltd. (Sea turtle conservation activities)

Marine World Uminonakamichi protects sea turtles that have washed ashore due to illness or injury.

Protected sea turtles are treated, and when they recover, they are given strength and returned to the sea when the water temperature is warmer. The number of sea turtles has been decreasing worldwide, but this is due in part to human activities such as marine debris. The aquarium's exhibits help to raise awareness of this issue.

Support for the “One Flower Per Person” campaign

The "One Flower Per Person Campaign” is an initiative led by Fukuoka City, encouraging residents, businesses, government agencies, and individuals to engage in flower planting in various locations—such as parks, sidewalks, workplaces, and homes—throughout the city. The campaign aims to foster connections among people, enrich hearts, and enhance the city's charm and value by promoting urban development through flowers.
As a sponsor company, we support the “Omotenashi Flower Beds” initiative, which is part of the “One Flower Per Person” campaign.

The flower bed in front of the Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co. Ltd head office

Cleanup Activities

Uminonakamichi Kaiyo Seitai Kagakukan Co., Ltd. (Coastal Cleanup Day)

Marine World Uminonakamichi has designated the 20th of each month as “Coastal Cleanup Day.” Behind Marine World Uminonakamichi is a sandy beach (under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) that is constantly being washed away by debris, so Marine World volunteers conduct cleanup activities before the start of work.

 

More information on other cleanup activities by the Nishitetsu Group can be found here.

Scenes from a coastal cleanup activity

Community engagement by Nishitetsu Store Inc.

Launch of Mobile Supermarket

In August 2023, the mobile supermarket “At Spina” began operations in the Kitakyushu area. Through a public-private partnership, initiatives such as the distribution of crime prevention leaflets and elderly monitoring activities are being carried out alongside sales, contributing to regional revitalization.

Scenes from the Mobile Sales Service “At Spina”