Biodiversity Initiatives
Basic Approach
Global warming and the loss of diversity among wild plant and animal species are among the most serious environmental issues. Canon's corporate philosophy of Kyosei embraces biodiversity by taking into account the importance of protecting the environment when conducting business.
For instance, Canon considers the burden on ecosystems and wildlife when constructing buildings and worksites, and tries to preserve a viable habitat for plants and animals.
We also consider plants and animals living near our operational sites, and strive to maintain the natural greenery. When developing sites, our goal is to preserve local species and restore the original woodland by planting trees and other vegetation.
We also work with organizations engaged in biodiversity preservation, encourage employee participation in conservation and support education in local communities.
Regional Initiatives
Preserving Wildlife Habitats at Operational Sites
The areas around Oita Canon and Oita Canon Materials (Oita Plant) are habitats for wildlife such as salamanders and fireflies. We engaged in conservation efforts when developing the site, which included the creation of an aquatic habitat as well as the preservation of natural wetlands.
In addition, the waterside biotope we created at the water reservoir within the facility contains a great diversity of wildlife, including birds, insects, amphibians and fish.
We set up Kanino Mori (Crab Forest) for the flower crab and red-claw crab species that inhabit the area surrounding the Oita Canon Materials Kitsuki Plant, so that our facility can blend in with the natural habitat. As red-claw crabs have been seen heading out to sea from Kanino Mori (Crab Forest) to lay their eggs, contributions of our ecological network reach from the forest to the sea.
Waterside biotope created at the water reservoir within the grounds of Oita Canon Inc.
Kanino Mori (Crab Forest), established on the grounds of Oita Canon Materials Inc.
Bringing Greenery to Our Operational Sites
A wide variety of plant life, in particular potential natural vegetation species,* lives around the Canon Inc. Shimomaruko Headquarters, which contains a total greenery area well above the legal requirement. An abundance of wildlife can be found among the rich greenery, including birds such as the titmouse, bulbul and spotbill duck, as well as butterflies and dragonflies.
Our sites near the Tama River, such as the Tamagawa Plant, the Yako Office, and the Kawasaki Office, work hard to maintain greenery in fulfilling their role in creating an ecological network.
- *Potential natural vegetation species
Plant species that grow without any interference from people.
A pond constructed in the grounds of the Shimomaruko headquarters
Supporting Conservation at Yellowstone National Park
Canon U.S.A. contributes funds to the globally renowned Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming to support surveillance activities targeting endangered wildlife species.
Specifically, through the research and educational program Eyes on Yellowstone, Canon imaging devices are being used for ecological observation with the aim of building a digital-image library that can be accessed through the website. These images will serve as educational resources for millions of children worldwide, helping to foster their knowledge of the global environment and awareness of the importance of conservation.
"Furusato" project - Linking our dream & sustainable society to the future
With the aim of bequeathing a beautiful verdant furusato (hometown) to the children of the future, the Canon Marketing Japan Group teamed up with employees, customers, and business partners in May 2010 to start the "Furusato project - linking our dream & sustainable society to the future". Activities are being held at 14 locations across Japan and involve preserving terraced rice fields planting forests, and reclaiming tidal flats, while forging links with NPOs that are active in the environmental field in local regions.
The Furusato Project has also become involved in recovery efforts underway in the areas affected by the Great Tohoku Earthquake by providing ongoing support through charitable donations to NPOs engaged in the recovery and restoration effort.
Rice planting in Niigata
Tidal flat cleanup in Fukuoka
Digging up potatoes in Shizuoka
"Furusato project - linking our dream & sustainable society to the future"
Support for Release of Salmon Fry in a Czech National Park
Canon Czech Republic supported the re-stocking of salmon in a river in the Czech Swiss national park (České Švýcarsko National Park) in 2010. 200,000 salmon fry (about 1 cm in length) were released in May. Later, more mature 10 cm-long salmon were released in October.
River water quality improvement projects completed previously should allow the fry that were released to grow strong in their natural environment.
Canon will continue to support this salmon stocking project in 2011.
Releasing salmon fry
Environmental Ads for Endangered Species Protection
Canon believes that increasing awareness of the plight of endangered species is one way of bringing about improvement of the global environment. That is why Canon has for 30 years since 1981 placed monthly ads in National Geographic, under the title "WILDLIFE AS CANON SEES IT". These ads feature photographs of endangered wildlife, and are accompanied by articles describing their predicament, in an appeal to society on their behalf.
Environmental ad: "WILDLIFE AS CANON SEES IT" (Ran in March 2011)
