Suntory Limited, one of Japan's leading producers and distributors of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, completed work on a project called the "Forest of Natural Water" on July 23, 2003. This project aims to conserve a national forest in the mountains surrounding Mt. Aso's crater lake, in Kumamoto Prefecture. The forest covers about 100 hectares, and the project was promulgated under the national government's Corporate Forest Program.

Established by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Forestry Agency, the Corporate Forest Program aims to enhance forest resources. Suntory's "Forest of Natural Water" project focuses on conserving the forest as a source of water by cutting excess trees and encouraging growth of a forest particularly well-suited to replenishing water supplies. By setting up facilities, sidewalks and benches, the company has developed a forest that is also suitable for recreation and enjoying nature.

Suntory plans to use the "Forest of Natural Water" for environmental education at its School of Forest and Water, where children enjoy hands-on experiences, feeling the forest and the water. The company also provides its workers with opportunities to experience forest maintenance work.

Many Japanese beer makers have shown an interest in conserving forests by enhancing their water resource recharging functions. The availability of most of their products' ingredients, such as barley, hops, fruit and water, depends on natural forces. Having completed a Kyushu-Kumamoto brewery recently, Suntory has been making efforts to create a healthy forest in Aso that provides water to the brewery.




Posted: 2003/09/27 11:51:50 AM
Japanese version

TAG Ecosystem , Food/Water , Government , Manufacturing industry , System/Law