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Declaration of Biodiversity by Keidanren


March 17, 2009

Keidanren
(Japan Business Federation)

Preamble

1. Activities by Keidanren

Keidanren is engaged in numerous activities to tackle global environmental problems for future human prosperity. These activities are based on ideas in the "Global Environment Charter" (announced in 1991), or the "Environment-led growth" in the "Envisioning A Vibrant and Attractive Nation in the Twenty-First Century" (announced in 2003).

The Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund (KNCF) and its accompanying committee were established in 1992 to link between economic activities and the natural environment in order to bring them closer together in a harmonious way. In the same year, KNCF started supporting for NGO projects for nature conservation mainly in the Asia and Pacific regions. The number of supported projects has now reached about 800. In 2003, Keidanren announced the "Declaration of Keidanren on Nature Conservation" (hereafter Nature Conservation Declaration) and has been promoting awareness raising and activities related to the Declaration since then.

2. Biodiversity Crisis

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was adopted together with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED: Earth Summit) held in Rio De Janeiro in 1992. However the recognition of the importance of biodiversity has been insufficient, partly because biodiversity is difficult to measure and the concept is difficult to understand.

Biodiversity provides the gifts of nature to human beings; the loss of biodiversity is thus leading to serious problems for human life and livelihoods by affecting water resources, food security and poverty, among other things. It is necessary to recognize that biodiversity is essential to social and economic activities and that all people and organizations need to draw upon their wisdom and collaborate to face the biodiversity crisis.

3. Our Commitment

Based on the Nature Conservation Declaration, we have been promoting nature conservation activities with a focus on biodiversity. It is time to recognize that biodiversity is an important foundation for a future sustainable society and we are determined to act to contribute to biodiversity in collaboration and cooperation by sharing roles and responsibilities with all people as a member of the international community.

We aim for the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of the components of biological diversity and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits derived from genetic resources. Herewith we adopt the Declaration of Biodiversity which further develops the actions for biodiversity outlined in the "Nature Conservation Declaration".

We will continue to improve this Declaration and Action Policy as we identify the need based on progress attained.

Declaration

1. Appreciate nature's gifts and aim for corporate activities in harmony with the natural environment

Appreciate that we depend upon nature's gifts (ecosystem services) which are derived from biodiversity. Aim for corporate activities which are in harmony with the natural environment, and which have been evolving since the birth of the earth.

2. Act from a global perspective on the biodiversity crisis

Act for biodiversity conservation from a global perspective and in consideration of local contexts by recognizing that we are benefiting from ecosystem services beyond national boarders and by sharing the recognition with all people that biodiversity is being diminished.
In utilizing genetic resources, respect the ideas contained in the Convention on Biological Diversity and make efforts to maintain genetic resources for future generations.

3. Act voluntarily and steadily to contribute to biodiversity

Be aware of one's own social responsibility. Act voluntarily and steadily to reduce impacts on biodiversity, and to promote socially responsible activities that will substantially benefit biodiversity. In implementing actions, individual companies endeavor to use their own managerial resources and apply their creativity according to their management contexts and ideas.

4. Promote corporate management for sustainable resource use

Promote corporate management that will lead to solutions for biodiversity and climate change issues by creating a culture of sustainable resources use and energy saving by utilizing the "3R" approach (reduce, reuse and recycle).

5. Create an industry, lifestyle and culture that will learn from biodiversity

Learn from nature, society's wisdom and traditions regarding nature, and pursue management innovations by promoting the development of environmental technology and operational activities with a low impact on biodiversity, thus leading to sustainable industry, lifestyle and culture.

6. Collaborate with relevant international and national organizations

Collaborate, both in international and national contexts, with stakeholders to develop a better awareness and recognition of the importance of biodiversity and actively promote collaboration and cooperation in order to make the engagement and activities for biodiversity effective.

7. Spearhead activities to build a society that will nurture biodiversity

Based on a deep understanding of biodiversity, contribute to a sustainable global society by spearheading activities which address social responsibility for biodiversity.

We herewith declare that we will respect the seven principles detailed above and will act with firm commitments for biodiversity.

Action Policy

1. Appreciate nature's gifts and aim for corporate activities in harmony with the natural environment

  1. 1-1 Recognize the importance of biodiversity and nature's gifts and reflect them in corporate policy.
  2. 1-2 Establish a corporate management vision and provide leadership to integrate biodiversity concerns.

2. Act from a global perspective on the biodiversity crisis

  1. 2-1 Consider impacts on relevant ecosystems and local communities, both domestic and abroad, when setting out operational plans.
  2. 2-2 Make an effort to ensure that the both provider and users of genetic resources will benefit from their utilization.

3. Act voluntarily and steadily to contribute to biodiversity

  1. 3-1 Make an effort to improve the identification and analysis of biodiversity impacts and improve business operations on biodiversity.
  2. 3-2 Endeavor through the individual company's operations to contribute to substantial conservation of biodiversity and carefully consider implementation of trading or off-setting measures based on an economic evaluation.
  3. 3-3 As part of social responsibility activities, engage in biodiversity issues even if they are not directly linked to the operations of the company.

4. Promote corporate management for sustainable resource use

  1. 4-1 Continuously implement activities for resource and energy saving related to the use of the "3R" approach (reduce, reuse and recycle) for operations, and the entire lifecycle of products and services while improving upon established practices.

5. Create an industry, lifestyle and culture that will learn from biodiversity

  1. 5-1 Promote technical development learning from nature and traditional knowledge, and encourage innovation in lifestyle and culture.
  2. 5-2 Promote the development and dissemination of technology that will contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.
  3. 5-3 Make efforts to help restore biodiversity when operating in areas where nature has been negatively impacted.

6. Collaborate with relevant international and national organizations

  1. 6-1 Promote collaboration by strengthening communication with NGOs, local municipalities and educational, research and other relevant organizations.
  2. 6-2 Disseminate and share experiences from activities related to biodiversity.

7. Spearhead activities to build a society that will nurture biodiversity

  1. 7-1 Actively carry out environmental education activities for employees in collaboration with local communities, NGOs and other organizations.
  2. 7-2 Raise societal awareness of the need to nurture biodiversity.
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