"Ashio, the Land of Coexistence (Matsuki/Ohirayama Area)," for which our company provided technical support, has been certified as a "Nature Coexistence Site" by the Ministry of the Environment.
PACIFIC CONSULTANTS CO., LTD. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President Executive Officer: Osamu OMOTO) has provided technical support to Furukawa Machinery & Metal Co., Ltd. managing the "Ashio (Matsuki/Ohirayama Area)" (hereinafter, this site), was certified as a "Nature Coexistence Site" under the Regional Biodiversity Promotion Act.
In providing consulting services related to nature positivity for this certification, we conducted the necessary surveys for the nature coexistence site application, assisted in preparing the application documents, and provided support for the review committee, handling the entire process up to certification.
Our company has a proven track record in supporting national green infrastructure and biodiversity policies, as well as implementing environmental conservation measures through environmental assessments. Moving forward, as experts in the fields of biodiversity and natural capital, we will continue to provide solutions aimed at effectively utilizing untapped natural capital assets held by companies, solving regional challenges, and simultaneously achieving carbon neutrality and nature-positive implementation.
■ About "Nature Coexistence Site" based on the Regional Biodiversity Promotion Act
Since fiscal year 2023, the Ministry of the Environment has been designating "Areas where biodiversity conservation is being achieved through private sector initiatives" as "Nature Coexistence Site." Subsequently, in April 2025, the Regional Biodiversity Promotion Act was enacted, formalizing the system. As a result, if a plan for biodiversity maintenance, restoration, and creation initiatives implemented primarily by companies, NPOs, local governments, and community organizations is certified by the national government, the area where the initiative is implemented will be designated as a "Nature Coexistence Site."
"Nature Coexistence Site" is an important mechanism for achieving "Nature Positivity" (stopping and reversing biodiversity loss) and the "30 by 30 goals" (the goal of effectively conserving more than 30% of land and sea as healthy ecosystems by 2030).
■ Overview of "Ashio, the Land of Coexistence (Matsuki/Ohirayama Area)"
This site is part of the company-owned forest of Furukawa Machinery & Metal Co., Ltd., located in Ashio-cho, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. Two plans have been approved as implementation plans for conservation activities in this area: the "Natural Environment Conservation Activity Plan for a Land of Coexistence, Ashio (Matsuki Area)" and the "Natural Environment Conservation Activity Plan for a Land of Coexistence, Ashio (Ohirayama Area)." The implementation areas of each plan have been certified as "Nature Coexistence Sites" under the Regional Biodiversity Promotion Act.
About Ashio (Matsuki area), a land of coexistence
This area has seen the death of surrounding forests due to smoke pollution, and Furukawa Machinery & Metals Co., Ltd. has been working to establish technologies for sulfur dioxide countermeasures and to carry out planting in cooperation with the national and prefectural governments. Although there are still areas in the surrounding area that require restoration efforts, the site has seen the recovery of a diverse ecosystem, with 153 plant species, 4 mammal species, 25 bird species, 1 amphibian species, and 152 insect species confirmed, playing an important role as a habitat for a wide variety of species. This time, the efforts aimed at providing adjustment services such as preventing soil erosion and providing habitat services for diverse flora and fauna were evaluated, and the site was certified as a "maintenance type" project, which targets activities that maintain areas that are already rich in biodiversity.About Ashio (Ohirayama area), a land of coexistence
Because there is no history of forestry or other uses, and no hiking trails have been developed, the area maintains a pristine ecosystem. It is also adjacent to Nikko National Park and functions as a buffer zone. With 35 plant species, 6 mammal species, 15 bird species, and 40 insect species confirmed, it plays an important role as a habitat for diverse species. This time, the efforts aimed at responding to changes in the ecosystem base, such as rare plant species and plant communities, were evaluated, and it was certified as a "maintenance type" area, similar to the Matsuki area.
Matsuki area (within the summer site)
Ohirayama area (within the summer site)
Tiger beetle
Photo: From an announcement by Furukawa Machinery & Metal Co., Ltd.
■Reference information
[Furukawa Machinery & Metal Co., Ltd.] Announcement: A portion of the Ashio Mine area has been designated a "Nature Coexistence Site" by the Ministry of the Environment.
[Ministry of the Environment] Press release: Regarding the certification of "Nature Coexistence Sites" under the Regional Biodiversity Promotion Act (3rd round in FY2025)
[Ministry of the Environment] Website: 30by30 "Nature Coexistence Site"