Approaches to Preservation of Biodiversity
Non-life insurance businesses consume paper in large quantities while managing the contracts with our customers and during the sure procedure of the payment of insurance. The MS&AD Insurance Group is involved in a tropical reforestation project as a part of its efforts to discharge its responsibility as a big paper consumer and endeavor the reduction of consumption.
Through this project, we awakened to the importance of preserving biodiversity. This is why the action plans in the MS&AD Basic Environmental Policy formulated in April 1, 2010 explicitly include approaches to preservation of biodiversity.
We also realized that risks related to biodiversity could possibly become customer risks in the future. For this reason, we also set about constructing a corporate network for joint research on preservation of biodiversity. Besides stepping up Group approaches in this area, we are engaged in activities to deepen understanding of the need for preservation of biodiversity among companies and in research regarding mitigation of risks.
Specific Approaches to Preservation of Biodiversity
Ramsar Supporters
We promote MS&AD Ramsar Suporters to conserve the biodiversity of waterfront areas, particularly focusing on the wetlands registered under the Ramsar Convention. In fiscal 2010, employees and their families conducted activities to protect ecosystems, clean up and survey at 7 locations in Japan.
Takuya Kanno
Manager, Compliance Group
Compliance Dept. MSI Primary Life
To broaden kid’s field of vision and for environmental education, I have participated in MS&AD Family Environmental Classes, activities for preservation of waterside environment from 2 years ago. Through the reports and craft training after receiving explanation at those events, he is now able to think about eco activities and environment as immediate issue from his viewpoint. I want him to think about environment issues in an enjoyable way and in a serious way. We can promote communication and join those events with a fun.
Project for tropical reforestation
Special class for elementary school students in Paliyan
Since April 2005, MSI has been working for the rehabilitation and regeneration of the Paliyan Wildlife Sanctuary (in Java, Indonesia). The project is aimed at restoration of lost plant and animal wildlife and economic contribution to the local area. At the end of March, 2011, the first step has completed and from April, 2011 MSI will conduct the second step program which aims to the economic contribution to the local area. This project has been highly valued by Indonesian government, the visitors have been increasing.
Indonesia reforestration project (Japanese only)
Expansion of green area at the Surugadai Building
The green area at the Surugadai Building became the first building green area in downtown Tokyo that was certified as Superlative Stage, which is the highest rank in Social and Environmental Green Evaluation System (SEGES) managed by Fund for Greening in Cities. Since the green area was firstly certified as Excellent Stage 3 in 2005, the activities such as structuring a project team including outside experts and formulating Green area management system to maintain the green area have been evaluated, the certification was given to the green area 3 consecutive times, and the green area obtained the highest rank this time. In July, 2013, after completion of new annex, greening of
7,154 square meters of total area of 17,387 square meters (greening rate: 41.1%) is planned.
For the consideration of biodiversity, through the bioassessment by experts, making autochthon area of deciduous broad-leaved trees for the purpose of attracting various species of birds and insects is planned.
Approaches through the JBIB
April 2008 saw the establishment of the Japan Business Initiative for Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity (JBIB), which serves as a network for joint research by firms concerned about preserving biodiversity and making sustainable use of biological resources. Ever since its establishment, MSI has been supporting the JBIB's activities as the chair company. (As of May 2011, the JBIB had a membership of 51 companies.)
In fiscal 2008, the JBIB developed an interrelationship diagram as a tool for visual representation of the impact of corporate activities on biodiversity and is producing a steady stream of output to lead approaches by domestic companies. In fiscal 2010, it is preparing the proposal provided to domestic companies such as Guidelines for use of company-owned land.
The Story of Biology Told by Corporations-Part 4
In February 2011, MSI held "The Story of Biology Told by Corporations-Part 4", a symposium on biodiversity held for concerned corporate personnel, to enlighten them about avenues of corporate action on biodiversity. The event was backed by the national Ministry of the Environment and received special support from JBIB. In a program mixing keynote addresses and panel discussions, it presented the examples of advanced efforts by firms, the explanation of Aichi Target adopted at COP10, which was held in Nagoya in October 2010. It was given high marks by the 215 participants.
Provision of consulting services in the areas of corporate greening and biodiversity
InterRisk Research Institute and Consulting, a member of the Group, provides services in simple diagnosis of use of land associated with business establishments, factories, and company-owned forests from the perspective of preserving biodiversity.
In May 2010, it developed Japan's first tool for assessment of the biodiversity potential of business establishments, together with Regional Environmental Planning Inc. and Sumitomo Forestry Landscaping Co., Ltd. This tool enables quantitative assessment of local ecosystem networks around the factories and it provides one-stop service such as supporting the formulation of action plan of land use that contributes the development of the network, coordination for enhancement of partnership with local stakeholders.
InterRisk Research Institute & Consulting’s website (Japanese only)
