Biodiversity Conservation Activities in Collaboration with Koka City, Shiga Prefecture
Shiga Prefecture is home to Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, and boasts a rich natural environment shaped by the surrounding mountains, rural woodlands, and rice paddies. Sumitomo Electric Printed Circuits, Inc., a group company with a production base in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, carries out environmentally responsible manufacturing activities while collaborating with Koka City to promote biodiversity conservation in the surrounding area.
Biodiversity Conservation Activities in Minakuchi Children’s Forest Nature Park
“Minakuchi Children’s Forest Nature Park”, located approximately 4 kilometers southeast of the Minakuchi Factory of Sumitomo Electric Printed Circuits, Inc. is a park where visitors can enjoy the rich natural environment of Koka’s satoyama landscape.
Within the park, a variety of initiatives are carried out, including mokuiku (wood-using education) activities and the conservation and cultivation of Koka City’s municipal flower, the bamboo lily. It was certified as a Ministry of the Environment “Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites” on March 18, 2024, recognizing the area where diverse plants, animals, and the natural environment are protected.
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Insect Plaza at Minakuchi Children’s Forest Nature Park
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Bamboo lily
As part of its community contribution activities, Sumitomo Electric Printed Circuits, Inc. carries out environmental conservation activities at the Insect Plaza within the “Minakuchi Children’s Forest Nature Park”.
On November 1, 2025, 20 employees participated in satoyama conservation activities. Under the guidance of experts, they cleared underbrush and thinned out trees so that sunlight could penetrate the previously dense forest, creating an environment conducive to the growth of diverse species such as the bamboo lily. They also carried out forest conservation measures, such as digging ditches, to ensure proper drainage of rainwater.
These activities will continue in the years ahead, with the aim of achieving nature positivity.
Scenes of in satoyama conservation activities
Agreement on Biodiversity Partnership with Koka City
To ensure that the benefits of rich nature are passed on to future generations, Koka City has made a “Koka City Nature Positive Declaration” (November 30, 2025). In making this commitment, the city aims to advance initiatives to conserve and restore the natural environment and biodiversity by working in partnership—“All Koka”—with citizens, organizations, and businesses.
In line with the intent of the same declaration, Koka City has also concluded a “Koka City Biodiversity Partnership Agreement” with Sumitomo Electric Printed Circuits, Inc. and three other companies based in the city, to promote initiatives aimed at conserving and restoring biodiversity in areas where it is gradually being lost.
Signing ceremony for the “ Koka City Biodiversity Partnership Agreement”
The person at the far right in the photo is Mr. Akahane, president of Sumitomo Electric Printed Circuits, Inc.
Certified by the Shiga Biodiversity Initiative
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Sumitomo Electric Printed Circuits, Inc. has proactively promoted initiatives aimed at conserving biodiversity and responsibly utilizing natural resources. On March 17, 2026, it obtained a three-star certification, the highest rating, under the “Shiga Biodiversity Initiative Certification”.
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Shiga Biodiversity Initiative Certification