Sumitomo Forestry and Biodiversity

Sumitomo Forestry and Biodiversity
Protecting forest benefits
About the front page
In Japanese forests, the population of Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) has increased and their habitat
has expanded. The deer eat saplings and bark, which kills the trees. The forestry industry
consequently suffers tremendous damage. In some cases, deer eat up the underbrush, making the
earth bare. Subsequent heavy rains can cause landslides.
The increase in the deer population is a sign that the ecosystem is out of balance. Several reasons
attributable to humans are cited, including the extinction of natural predators such as Japanese
wolves, a decline in hunting due to a change in people’s lifestyles, and the fact that deer are better
able to make it through winter better than in the past due to a decrease in snowfall resulting from
global warming. Therefore, it may be necessary to take action to return the deer population to
proper levels.
The image on the cover features Sumitomo Forestry’s mascot, Kikorin, meeting face to face with a
Sika Deer and pondering biodiversity in forests and ecosystem balance.
For more information about our biodiversity initiatives, please
refer to our Social and Environmental Report.
Social and Environmental Report >> http://sfc.jp/information/kankyo/
Keidanren Kaikan, 3-2, Otemachi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8270, Japan
Tel: +81-3-3214-3980　URL: http://sfc.jp/
September 2010
What does biodiversity mean
to Sumitomo Forestry?
Forestry &
Environment
Business
Sumitomo Forestry operates its business amid a wide range of living
Timber &
Building
Materials
Business
organisms, and benefits from trees, which are one of the blessings of
biodiversity. We understand that we risk losing the foundations of our
business if we do not preserve ecosystems and continuously nurture
all the Earth’s forests. We are directly linked to forests that are home
to life as well as a source of essential clean water, oxygen, and soil. We
Housing
Business
Overseas
Business
Real Estate
Development
Business
have a responsibility to cultivate vibrant and sustainable forests.
Sumitomo Forestry will continue its sincere efforts to conserve
Landscaping
Business
Research &
Development
biodiversity.
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the presence of many different plants and
animals that have adapted to various environments and that
are linked with one another. Biodiversity has been created as a
process of evolution over the long history of the planet. Once it is
lost it is virtually irreparable.
Biodiversit y
Today, the natural habitats of plants and animals are rapidly being
destroyed and many species are becoming extinct or endangered.
Consequently, many ecosystems are in decline. Natural resources
themselves are vanishing and human survival itself is under
threat. Therefore, we all must work to protect biodiversity.
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Creating forests for biological diversity
and for sustainable timber procurement
Sumitomo Forestry’s Company-owned forests
Biodiversity
Management of Company-owned forests
Sumitomo Forestry owns forests that constitute about 1/900th of Japan’s land area. In order
Nearly half of the Company-owned forests are plantation forests of Japanese
to preserve biodiversity while benefiting from it, we have adopted a Policy on Biodiversity
cedar and cypress. We practice thinning to conserve forest resources. Today, with
Preservation and manage forests based on it.
sufficient resources in place, our forest management is focused on both conserving
This Policy sets out the principles of properly managing strictly protected areas designated
biodiversity and improving business viability. For example, small-area clear cutting is
under the Natural Parks Law and other legislation in a manner stipulated by law and of refraining
introduced to regions where trees have strong growth potential.
from expansive planting projects and other extreme activities involving the replacement of
species that would have a major impact on existing ecosystems.
Forests with priority
on environmental conservation
Small-area
clear cutting
Riparian
forests
Company-owned forests in Kyushu
(Miyazaki, Kumamoto
Forests with priority
on timber production
Company-owned forests
in Hokkaido
and Kagoshima Prefectures)
Zoning
Small-area clear cutting
Preserving riparian forests
All forests have many different
Small-area clear cutting is a forest
In biologically diverse waterside
and the cultivation of water resources.
by harvesting forests in small area
environmental conservation than
functions such as timber production
Company-owned forests
in Wakayama Prefecture
They are properly divided into
separate zones by tree growth
potential and other criteria so that the
forest can be managed in a way that
supports both the economy and the
Company-owned forests in Shikoku
(Ehime and Kochi Prefectures)
Sumitomo Forestry’s Company-owned forests are located in
Monbetsu City of Hokkaido, Hidakagawa-cho of Wakayama
environment, and so that forests can
effectively exercise their functions.
management approach characterized
units. To minimize the impact of this
clear cutting on the environment,
the harvesting area in one place is
roughly set at two to five hectares.
After this process, we plant saplings
suited to the area in an effort to
areas, we place higher priority on
on timber production. We have
created a management manual
for the preservation of riparian
forests to conserve riparian
ecosystems.
ensure the cyclic use of resources.
Prefecture, Niihama City of Ehime Prefecture, Shiiba-son
of Miyazaki Prefecture and elsewhere. They occupied an
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approximate total area of 42,600 hectares as of March 2010
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Creating forests for biological diversity
and for sustainable timber procurement
Proof of sound forest management
Sumitomo Forestry acquired certification for all its own forests in Japan from
Japan’s Sustainable Green Ecosystem Council (SGEC) in September 2006. The
SGEC certification is evidence of sound forest management with environmental
considerations. Forest management in accordance with SGEC certification allows
many different plants and animals to inhabit the forest and helps preserve
biodiversity.
SGEC: A forest certification system through which the Sustainable Green Ecosystem Council (SGEC),
as a third-party organization, certifies that both a rich natural environment as well as sustainable forest
management and timber production are secured in forests in Japan.
Biodiversity
ties
bution activi
Social contri
Mt. Fuji Manabi no Mori Project
The Mt. Fuji Manabi no Mori Project for natural forest restoration is a joint project with local
communities aimed at rehabilitating the national forest at the southern base of Mt. Fuji,
severely ravaged by Typhoon Violet in 1996, into a forest rich in plants and animals. For this
project, activities are planned and operated on the basis of advice from the Mt. Fuji Manabi
no Mori steering committee comprised of local government representatives, academic experts
and others. The project seeks to develop the forest taking into account biodiversity by planting
tree species indigenous to the mountain area and installing tubes for protecting trees from
deer、with which they live in coexistence
Red Fox
Continued monitoring survey of
mammalian and avian species
(Vulpes vulpes)
Possesses a wide-ranging
territory and moves about
in forests. (confirmed by
unmanned photography)
The Company has been conducting monitoring surveys
to study the inhabitation of mammalian and avian
species in Company-owned forests since fiscal 2008.
Japanese Marten
(Martes melampus)
Lives in forests and builds
nests in tree hollows and
elsewhere. (confirmed by
The survey provides insight into the impact that our
forest operations, including clear cutting, have on the
surrounding environment, as well as basic information for
the preservation of biodiversity in Company-owned forests.
unmanned photography)
Preserving rare plants
and animals
The Company created the Sumitomo Forestry Red
Data Book on a region-by-region basis to list the rare
flora and fauna that may exist in Company-owned
forests. Copies are distributed to those responsible for
managing Company-owned forests and to those who
work in these forests. We also hold workshops on the
preservation of rare species. When any such plant or
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activities
(around 19
98)
ch as
activities su
Cultivation
h
ay underbrus
clearing aw
ss)
gre
pro
(currently in
Environ
mental
Educatio
n Progra
(current
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ly in pro
gress)
History of activities
19 9 8 :
Sumitomo Forestry Red Data Book
Phyllodoce nipponica
In Company-owned forests
in Shikoku, we jointly set
up a council with the local
government and other bodies
in an effort to protect this
alpine plant designated
and adopt a forest management method that is capable
by the Ehime Prefectural
2006:
200
8:
The Mt. Fuji Manabi no Mori
The Environmental Education
These activities have been
is launched. Biodiversity
elementary and middle school
significant contribution to
natural restoration project
animal is found in a Company-owned forest, we study
of preserving it.
Plantation
is included in the five key
concepts of these activities.
Program is launched for local
students, who will play a key role
in the future. The participants
learn the importance of
biodiversity by observing wildlife
and its vestiges using their five
highly commended for their
environmental protection at
Mt. Fuji, and led to Sumitomo
Forestry winning the Mt. Fuji
Charter Performance Awards.
senses.
as a protected species
Government.
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For restoring vigorous forests in Japan
Biodiversity
Technologies developed for spreading Japanese timber use
Protecting Japan’s forests
through active use of Japanese timber
The use of Japanese timber will not expand without
Sumitomo Forestry is increasing its use of Japanese timber for the purpose of protecting
the supply of structural timber that excels in quality
Japan’s forests. We procure Japanese timber not only from Company-owned forests but from
and cost. Sumitomo Forestry has invented the
many different production centers all over the country to encourage forest preservation and to
MIZDAS® high-precision timber drying system that
stimulate the forestry industry in different parts of Japan. The active use of plantation forests
makes cracking and distortion of timber less likely,
in Japan helps to keep highly biodiverse natural forests in Japan and abroad untouched and
results in higher yields, and requires a shorter drying
protected.
time than the conventional drying process. Sumitomo
Forestry Crest Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of building
materials, makes active use of Japanese cedar,
Using Japanese timber for housing
Sakhalin fir and other timber grown in Japan as
materials for plywood and building materials. In the
case of plywood production process, transportation
To ensure the sustainable availability of Japan’
The MIZDAS ® high-precision timber drying system
distances were reduced and CO2 emissions from
s forestry resources, it is necessary to strengthen
material procurement to manufacturing have been
the business viability of the forestry industry.
With a policy of active use of Japanese timber to
stimulate the domestic forestry industry, Sumitomo
cut by nearly 30% from the level associated with the
Labeling of the carbon footprint
conventional use of Siberian materials.
Japanese timber makes CO 2
Forestry has developed the Super Cypress laminated
on the plywood made from
emission volumes visible
engineered wood for structural use made from
Japanese cypress (Cryptomeria japonica) and Kizure
Panels , its original load-bearing wall lattice panels
made from Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
Super Cypress
“How does the use of Japanese timber help conserve forests?”
and other products for Sumitomo Forestry Home. In
fiscal 2008, we attained our goal of increasing the
Trees by nature seek sunlight to grow. Taking advantage of this, we
ratio of Japanese timber used as principal structural
members to 70% .
plant trees densely in artificial forests to stimulate their growth, while
Kizure Panels
repeatedly thinning them to grow straight and thick trees. However,
forest management has long been abandoned due to a decline in
the profitability of forestry businesses as cheaper overseas timber is
imported. Some artificial forests in Japan are suffering from neglect.
Without thinning or other care, tree growth results in a batch of
A degraded artificial forest
branches that blocks the sunlight and thus impedes the growth of grass and smaller trees.
This makes the forest uninhabitable for birds, mammals and insects. It also increases the
risk of landslides after heavy rainfall. A sustainable cycle of cutting and replanting trees in
artificial forests and the use of Japanese timber in many different ways will help revive the
functions of forests and turn them back into places where animals can live.
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The My Forest-Taiju home, with its principal structural members
The Multi-Balance Construction Method, a combination of Japan’s traditional
composed exclusively of Japanese timber
wooden post-and-beam structure with cutting-edge timber technologies
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Timber procurement based on full verification of legal compliance
and taking into consideration plants and animals in forests
Sustainable use of forest resources
Sumitomo Forestry has in place a Timber Procurement Philosophy and Policy. The policy stipulates that
Biodiversity
Expansion of plantation and
use of plantation timber
a careful check must be undertaken to verify that none of the timber purchased domestically or from
Sumitomo Forestry is actively involved in overseas
overseas has been produced through illegal logging. It also calls for increasing use of timber from plantation
plantations to secure a constant supply of raw wood
trees in sustainable forests that give special consideration to biodiversity and from certified forests. In
materials. Grown at sound plantation sites, plantation
parallel with these policies, we have instituted the Action Plan for Timber Procurement and are working
timber has a smaller impact on the ecosystem compared to
towards specific goals.
logging natural forests. The cycle of logging and plantation
results in sustainable use of resources. We are studying
Legal compliance verification scheme
❶
Suppliers responsible for logging operations
are required to submit documents providing
❷
evidence of legal compliance.
If legal compliance
cannot be verified with
documentation, inspectors
and local Sumitomo
● Logging license
Forestry representatives
● Certificate of origin
fast-growing tree species and developing products to
enable efficient production of plantation timber and to
ensure its quality.
A plantation experiment sitewith two- to three-year old
Falcata trees. Falcata can be used as a material for plywood
at around seven years old.
actually visit the logging
● Export certificate
sites and create inspection
● Log inspection form
reports as needed.
❸
The Sumitomo Forestry
Timber Procurement
Actions to protect natural
forests with the use of
timber from certified forests
Examination Subcommittee
verifies the documents
submitted by the suppliers.
A plywood product containing 50 % or more raw
KIKORIN-PLYWOOD
The mark is displayed on the
edge of the plywood when
“ Illegal logging outside Japan ”
products are shipped.
materials made from timber from forests certified
by third parties as sustainable forests or from
plantation forests has been marketed since 2009
under the brand KIKORIN-PLYWOOD . A portion
of sales are directed to forest restoration in
Many timber producing countries are prone to illegal logging because of poor law
wastelands and elsewhere in Indonesia. This means
enforcement systems in the wake of political and economic turmoil or the lure of profits
that users can directly or indirectly contribute to
from timber trafficking. Illegal logging is still an issue in several countries. To stop this
preserving biodiversity. In Hokkaido, Sumitomo
practice, which significantly damages biodiversity, it is vital that we not use any such
Forestry Home provides residential houses made
timber to discourage its circulation.
from timber from certified forests in Hokkaido
where it is fully prepared to supply such timber.
A pillar made of timber
from a certified forest is
being constructed.
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Overseas plantation activities giving
consideration to biodiversity
Biodiversity
Planting projects around the world
Joint projects with local residents
Amid worldwide calls for measures to stop forest shrinkage and to create sustainable
forests, Sumitomo Forestry has been involved in many different overseas plantation and
tropical forest restoration initiatives for almost 30 years.
Papua New Guinea
In Papua New Guinea, Sumitomo Forestry currently manages
12,000 hectares of plantation forests. Almost all of its
employees, who number about 1,000, are local residents.
By helping to set up schools and build roads, hospitals
and other infrastructure, we are working to develop a
prosperous and sustainable society.
Indonesia
To meet rapidly growing demand for timber
resources, Sumitomo Forestry embarked on
New Zealand
a large-scale commercial forest plantation
business jointly with a local firm in 2010. The
In New Zealand, Sumitomo Forestry plants radiata
pines in the Nelson region on the South Island. This
plantation will be expanded in the future to
280,000 hectares, about 1.3 times the size
species grows fast and can be logged on a 30-year
cycle. Its timber boasts superior workability. It is such a
of Tokyo. In lowland forests and peat-swamp
forests, which have been degraded by illegal
sustainable material that systematic plantation will allow
semi-permanent use.
logging and slash-and-burn farming, we work
with local residents to plant rich forests that
are compatible with people’s lives. On the basis
of satellite information provided by the Japan
Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), an
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independent administrative organization, three
zones were determined: forest preservation
“ Tropical Forest Regeneration
Project in Sebulu ”
zones, buffer zones and forestation zones.
Indigenous species are introduced to achieve
biodiversity.
Sumitomo Forestry has undertaken many planting
projects. From this experience, we have learned that no
planting project will succeed or local ecosystem preserved
without local cooperation. Our approach in the plantation
in Indonesia is to offer saplings to local residents for
free, providing technical guidance and encouraging
them to grow the saplings in their respective fields, while
guaranteeing that the timber will be purchased from
them after growth. As this assures steady revenue, local
residents can plant the young trees on their valuable land
without peace of mind. In December 2008, a plantation site
run by a reforestation cooperative jointly set up with 259
local residents obtained forest certification. This is a result
of the strong ties and trust built with them.
Sumitomo Forestry carried out a tropical forest regeneration
project over 13 years in the Sebulu district in the Indonesian
province of Kalimantan Timur (East Kalimantan), from 1991 to
2004. This project regenerated an approximate 503 hectares
of tropical forest in a vast experimental forest area degraded
by illegal logging, slash-and-burn farming, and forest fires.
to absorb the CO2 emitted over the lifetime of principal
A forest has been restored and wildlife
structural members (approximately six tons of CO2 per
has returned, including orangutans,
Today, a biodiversity monitoring study is underway in this
deer and wild pigs. (At the center
area to collect important data as leading indicators for future
discovered in the area is visible.)
plantation projects.
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Sumitomo Forestry began a program of using plantations
unit), from the harvesting of timber to the construction of
housing. It is possible to offset this by planting trees on land
of the photo, an orangutan nest
area equivalent to two times the floorspace of the house
The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
in Indonesia is one of the plantation sites.
and cultivating these trees for ten years. On this plantation
site, plants and animals are monitored to track trends in
biodiversity and to define the direction of conservation.
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Creating green spaces in cities
to link people with forests
Harmonic Plants
TM
Biodiversity
with a focus on the local ecosystem
Responsible for our housing exterior
Preserving valuable trees
for future generations
construction and landscaping, Sumitomo
Applying its plant cultivation technology
Forestry Landscaping Co., Ltd. defines
four areas by taking into account the
ecosystem preservation level to determine
which plants to cultivate. In the City Area
where landscaping of residential gardens
is undertaken, it proposes landscaping
plants centered on native species,
excluding invasive vegetation that has
an adverse impact on local ecosystems.
It also proposes introduction of noninvasive tree species from abroad. The
fostered by the tropical forest restoration
project, Sumitomo Forestry has successfully
grown the Togyu Cherry, a weeping cherry
tree standing in Kyoto’s Daigoji Temple, known
for its appearance in a painting by Japanese
artist Togyu Okumura. Sumitomo Forestry also
cooperates in the preservation of treasured and
precious trees with great cultural value and that
are hard to grow with existing techniques such
as cutting propagation and grafting.
company calls these Harmonic Plants TM,
reflecting its objective of achieving both
Harmonic PlantsTM have been planted
preservation of the local ecosystem and
at the Shinjuku Model Home.
human enrichment. The leaflet distributed
A Japanese whiteeye has flown to
the Shinjuku Model
Home.
A leaflet of
to customers explains the relationships
between individual tree species and
biodiversity, such as native species and
A weeping cherry tree in the Daigoji Temple in Kyoto,
tree varieties that attract small birds.
which has been grown from a propagated nursery tree
Harmonic Plants TM
Property development in harmony with local ecosystems
Sumitomo Forestry Landscaping Co., Ltd. is working on
biodiversity sound urban redevelopment. In the redevelopment
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Green Space on the roof of
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance’s Surugadai Building
Plant landscaping initiatives
Sumitomo Forestry Crest Co., Ltd., has seven plants across
the country. To celebrate the merger with Toyo Plywood
project for the Surugadai Building of Mitsui Sumitomo
Co., Ltd. in April 2010, the plants launched biodiversity
Insurance Co., Ltd., it formed an eco-asset team and together
preservation initiatives tailored to their respective regional
with other companies jointly proposed the creation of a green
environments, mainly on their premises, under the shared
urban space that takes into account the rich ecosystem in the
objective of “providing habitats for local species and rest
Imperial Palace. Currently, urban redevelopment is underway
areas through conservation of plant life indigenous to the
to live in harmony with living creatures. Sumitomo Forestry
local community.” Sumitomo Forestry Crest’s Kashima
Landscaping is also pursuing green space conservation projects
Plant is planning to cultivate an endangered plant species,
to invigorate the existing corporate green spaces, enhance the
the beach silvertop (Glehnia littoralis) , which is native to the
quality of local ecosystems and regenerate biodiversity.
sandy beaches of Kashima.
A Sumitomo Forestry Crest staff member
re ce ive s b e ach s ilve rt o p s e e d s f ro m a K am is u
Cit y Go ve rn m e n t o f f icial.
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