Biodiversity
‘Nature Positive’ Initiatives at Canon
Biodiversity has come to be recognized in recent years as an issue facing global society as a whole, and the notion of ‘nature positive’ initiatives that seek not only to conserve but also restore biodiversity has gained attention. Canon has adopted the Group-wide slogan ‘Nature Positive’ to guide our collaboration with stakeholders at marketing and production sites worldwide in developing activities in line with local needs.
Main Areas of Focus
Based on our new Nature Positive slogan, we are promoting activities in three main areas of focus: “water,” “forests,” and “creatures.” Examples include managing green spaces and restoring ecosystems, and we intend to promote these activities in close connection with local communities around the world.
Nature Positive Initiatives Around the World
Below, we introduce various initiatives aimed at restoring ecosystems and protecting biodiversity, including the Canon Bird Branch Project implemented globally.
Canon Bird Branch Project
Biodiversity refers to the way living things interact as they coexist on earth. Within this sphere, birds occupy the top position in a local ecosystem pyramid of plants, insects, and small animals, symbolizing the cycle of life. Canon promotes the Bird Branch Project, which encompasses a range of bird-centered activities at operational sites in Japan and overseas, as a symbol of the initiatives based on its Group-wide Biodiversity Policy.
By 2026, we would like to expand the number of sites participating in the project, from one head office in Shimomaruko (2015) to 60 all over Japan and overseas, and strengthen our efforts.
Japan and Overseas Activities
Canon’s Shimomaruko headquarters complex in Tokyo includes a greenspace with a wide variety of trees that we call the Shimomaruko Woodland. Under the supervision of the Wild Bird Society of Japan, a monthly census of the migration of wild birds is carried out. The number of species observed has grown from 23 in 2014 to 41 in 2024, indicating the success of efforts to promote species diversity.
At Canon Ecology Industry, with the support of experts from the Wild Bird Society of Japan, we have been actively trying to attract kingfishers to the retention pond at the site since 2020. This has included releasing small fish species such as gudgeon and ginbuna that are common prey for kingfishers. Success came in May 2023 when an adult kingfisher was confirmed at the site.
In addition to maintaining green space on the grounds, Oita Canon Materials is pursuing greening activities that pay special attention to harmony with the surrounding environment and Japan’s four seasons. The subsidiary also installed nesting boxes to create a bird habitat and conducted a seasonal plant and animal life census in collaboration with the National Institute for Environmental Studies, as well as visiting elementary schools to hold classes on the environment and conducting factory tours.
The Fuji-Susono Research Park properly maintained and managed the green space that covers 88% of the site, as well as planting trees and installing nesting boxes to create an environment hospitable to incoming wild birds. In addition, we conducted local cleanup activities, including areas surrounding the park office, and held on-site environmental classes and career education for elementary and junior high school students. These activities were recognized at the 2023 Factory Greening Award sponsored by the Japan Greenery Research and Development Center: The Kitsuki and Oita plants of Oita Canon Materials both received the Economy, Trade and Industry Director’s Award, while Canon Inc. Fuji-Susono Research Park received the Japan Greenery Research and Development Center Chairman’s Award.
Canon China uses its website and social media to disseminate information about the Canon Group’s efforts in China. Additionally, in 2023, the branch office organized bird-watching events at Shanghai in May and at Guangzhou in October under the guidance of NGO experts, at which employees and family members spotted dozens of species.
At other sites as well, we have created biotopes, with bird baths and nesting boxes installed and kept clean and measures taken to protect against bird strikes, creating on-site environments conducive to bird life. By sharing successful nesting inside nesting boxes and other activities, it gives employees an opportunity to study aspects of the lives of wild birds even in familiar surroundings. Meanwhile, 12 of our operational sites, including Oita Canon Materials, participate in the seasonal wildlife monitoring scheme proposed by the National Institute for Environmental Studies. Participants report the species of bird, plant, reptile, and insect observed at the site as well as the date on which the first birdsong of each species is heard, the date on which it is first seen, and the date on which each tree or plant begins to flower. These data also make a useful contribution to academic studies.
Comment from Bird Branch Project Manager in Canon Ecology Industry
The experts told us that it would take about three years from the small fish releases. We were not seeing any kingfishers. We were holding three or four bird-watching events each year, and I was worried if we would ever see any at all. When I finally captured a kingfisher that flew by on camera, everyone who had taken part in the bird-watching was moved. The project has also given us a lot of detail about the types of birds and plants that are seen at the site each season. In addition, our efforts to attract kingfishers have helped to raise awareness of biodiversity.
Canon Ecology Industry Inc.
Corporate Planning Division
Contribution to the Global 30by30 Target
In 2023, a green zone located on the premises of Canon’s Shimomaruko Headquarters was certified as a “Nature Symbiosis Site” under a scheme by the Ministry of the Environment to certify areas that contribute to biodiversity conservation. This project certifies areas where biodiversity conservation is being promoted through private-sector initiatives. It forms part of the Japanese government’s plans to protect at least 30% of Japan’s land and sea by 2030, as part of the global “30by30” target. Certified areas, other than those that overlap with already designated protected areas, are registered as OECM*1 sites on an international database. The recently certified Shimomaruko Woodland is home to nearly 1,000 trees, including around 80 different species. Besides helping to preserve local biodiversity, the green space has also been recognized for its role in the Canon Bird Branch project.
Canon is as a participant in the 30by30 Alliance for Biodiversity*2 launched by the Ministry of the Environment in partnership with interested business enterprises and local governments. Going forward, Canon aims to create more sites outside its headquarters for potential certification as “Nature Symbiosis Sites” as part of promoting the Group’s overall biodiversity conservation efforts.
- *1 Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures
- *2 A voluntary alliance to promote effective measures toward achieving the 30by30 target.
Japan
Canon Headquarters
Nature Symbiosis Site : Shimomaruko Forest
Shimomaruko Forest, a green zone located on the premises of Canon’s Shimomaruko Headquarters, has been certified a biodiversity protection area by the Nature Symbiosis Site Certification Project, which is run by the Ministry of the Environment. This government-run project certifies areas where the conservation of biodiversity is being promoted through private-sector initiatives. It forms part of the government’s plans to effectively protect at least 30% of Japan's lands and seas by 2030, as part of the global “30 by 30” target.
Canon Marketing Japan
Furusato Project—Linking Our Dream to the Future
In Japan, Canon promotes an environmental conservation and environmental education project known as the Furusato Project—Linking Our Dream to the Future, with the aim of passing on a beautiful, verdant, and biologically diverse furusato (hometown) for future generations to enjoy.
Yako, Kosugi, Tamagawa, and Kawasaki Offices
Catfish Growth and Development Support Through Charity
A rare gold-colored catfish has been found in the Tama River and is being protected by a Kawasaki-based NPO. Canon takes part in events run by this NPO and utilizes its products to provide charity printing services for participants. By donating the funds obtained through this charity, Canon is supporting the growth and development of catfish and contributing to ecosystem maintenance and management.
Canon Finetech Nisca
Encouraging Growth and Development of Beetles by Utilizing Waste Wood
Wood that has become unneeded when conducting greening work on the grounds of the Masuho Plant is pulverized and turned into chips, and utilized as beetle bedding material. The softwood used for these chips contains components that drive away mites, which are parasitic to insects. Thus, it forms a comfortable growth and development environment for beetles. Some years, as many as 20 to 30 adult beetles emerge.
Canon Medical Systems/Canon Electron Tubes & Devices
Surveys into Butterflies, Insects, and Plants
We periodically carry out surveys into the state of the habitats of the creatures that live on our premises. We have confirmed two species of butterflies--the Leptalina unicolor and the Eurema laeta--both of which are included in Tochigi Prefecture’s Red Data Book. Apart from butterflies, we also verified the presence of Japanese stag beetles and Japanese rhinoceros beetles.
Oita Canon Materials
Forest of Crabs
Situated on the premises of our Kitsuki Office, the “Forest of Crabs” is home to red-clawed crabs. We regularly clean the Forest of Crabs to manage its environment. Every year, just after the end of the rainy season, between five and ten crabs appear. We created a mascot based on the red-clawed crab, and called it “Canny” (“kani” means “crab” in Japanese). The mascot even features on Kitsuki Office Visitor Permit stickers.
Fukushima Canon
Rice Terrace Ecosystem Restoration Project
At the “Forest of Birds” located in Fukushima City, we are working together with forest staff to restore the rice terraces located there. These rice terraces used to be home to species of dragonflies and benthic organisms that are rare in Japan. However, when Typhoon Hagibis struck in October 2019, an accumulation of earth and sand wiped out their habitats. Following continued efforts to restore these rice terraces, we have been able to confirm the presence of insects and frogs--an indication of the ecosystem being steadily recovered.
Miyazaki Canon
Beach Clean-ups
Many of our employees actively help clean up coastal regions designated by Miyazaki Prefecture as a natural monument, since they are egg-laying grounds for loggerhead sea turtles.
Fukushima Canon
Planting Coastal Disaster Prevention Forests
Fukushima Prefecture is recruiting NPOs and companies to take part in tree-planting initiatives as a symbol of the region’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake. The initiatives aim to safeguard the state of local disaster prevention forests, while educating younger generations about the impact of the immense tsunami that struck in the aftermath of the earthquake. Fukushima Canon has taken part in these initiatives in Minamisoma City since 2018. Every year, employees and their families plant Japanese black pine saplings to help restore the coastal disaster prevention forests.
Canon Optron
Biotopes
We created Tsumugi Pond in 2021 and a small river in 2023 as biotopes for wild birds and other creatures. These biotopes not only serve to protect biodiversity, but also function as places of relaxation that contribute to the symbiosis with our company members and the local community.
Ami and Toride Plants, Canon Ecology Industry, Canon Semiconductor Equipment, and Canon Mold
Environmental Management Activities at Firefly Nosato Park, Home to Fireflies
Together with the members of the Jitsukoku Kinrin Park Firefly Association, we carry out year-round activities aimed at creating environments for fireflies to inhabit. Our activities include weeding and ridding crayfish, which are natural predators of fireflies.
CANON ELECTRONICS
Sheep Maintain Green Areas on Plant Premises
We keep sheep to get rid of weeds around the solar panels installed at Akagi Plant. The animals help us manage our green areas without having to resort to chemicals, which negatively impact the environment. The sheep have encouraged interactions with the local community, since children from nearby nurseries and kindergartens come to observe the animals.
Group companies
Conservation of Local Ecosystem Through Extermination of Invasive Species
Invasive species have impacts on local ecosystems and could pose a threat to native species. In order to maintain the balance of ecosystems and promote a healthy life cycle, we are working toward the extermination of invasive species (plants) growing around company grounds and the local area.
Group companies
Phenological Monitoring
Canon Group companies participate in phenological monitoring activities organized by the National Institute for Environmental Studies, in cooperation with the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Ministry of the Environment. Employees report the days on which different species of wild birds or insects on their premises make their first calls, and on which different plants first flower.
Group companies
Company Premises are Home to Endangered Species and Native Species
On our premises, we observe endangered species. For example, the golden orchid (kinran) designated as a category II (Vulnerable) can be found on the premises of Canon Chemicals in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, while the narrow-leaved helleborine on the grounds of Ayase Plant in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Americas
Canon Canada
Branch Out
Canon Canada’s Branch Out Program gives employees at all levels the opportunity to help create green spaces and sustainable environments in their local communities.
Canon Canada
Support for the Care of Injured and Sick Wildlife
Canon Canada has been partnered with the National Wildlife Centre (NWC) to help care for sick and injured native wildlife through programs aimed at conservation goals to protect ecosystems, populations of wild animals, and the health of individual animals. The funds also contribute to the construction of facilities for conservation, wildlife clinical research, wildlife medicine, training, and education. Canon Canada is also the official photography and videography partner of NWC, providing professional services to document wildlife cases and signature events.
Canon U.S.A.
Eyes on Yellowstone
Canon U.S.A. donates products and funds to Yellowstone Forever, the official nonprofit partner of the globally renowned Yellowstone National Park in U.S.A. to support surveillance activities targeting endangered wildlife species.
The Canon Eyes on Yellowstone program allows Yellowstone’s scientists and managers to break new ground in conservation, endangered species protection, and the application of cutting-edge science and technology to park wildlife and ecosystem management.
The data collected from these projects have educated and inspired millions of people around the world. Eyes on Yellowstone enriches the visitor experience—real and virtual—and encourages the public to become more involved in national parks and, more broadly, environmental protection.
Canon U.S.A.
Protection of Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles and Support at Ocean Release Events
Canon U.S.A., Inc. supports the New York Marine Rescue Center (NYMRC) Marine Mammal rescue release program. It has been an annual summer tradition for Canon U.S.A., Inc. employees, their families and friends to watch the moment when a cold stunned sea turtle that was rescued by the NYMRC and nursed back to good health is released back into the ocean. Through Canon's sponsorship the turtles were satellite tagged, so the NYMRC can continuously track their journey after they returned back into the Ocean.
Canon Solutions America
Eco Start Program
A sustainable program in partnership with production print customers and Trees for the Future, a sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restoration organization, in which a portion of the proceeds from the sales of production system sold are donated to the organization to plant trees in Africa. Aiming to offset average CO2 emissions in the first year of product use, more than 2.78 million trees have been planted since the program began in 2011. The donation also contributes to sustainable development and agricultural practices in poverty-stricken communities in Sub-Saharan Africa by planting trees through its unique Forest Garden system.
Canon U.S.A./Canon Solutions America
Participation in coral reef conservation projects
Canon U.S.A., Inc. and Canon Solutions America, Inc. have been participating in a Coral Reef Restoration Project led by the Rescue A Reef Program at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science.
Students and citizen scientists outplant corals that are propagated from coral species on a reef or grown in a lab. Research includes cross breeding corals that will be able to resist warming ocean temperatures. Students continue to document the project using Canon cameras, and the "Canon Reef" has been growing in size since being planted in 2019.
© University of Miami / Evan K. D‘Alessandro, Ph.D.
Canon U.S.A./Canon Solutions America/Canon Canada
Clean Earth Crew
Canon U.S.A., Inc. and other U.S.-based Canon Group companies work with employees, their families and friends to help protect the environment by cleaning parks and beaches near Canon's office locations.
Canon Virginia
Joint Biodiversity Workshop with the Scouts of America
Canon Virginia partnered with the Scouts of America and organized a biodiversity sustainability workshop. During this event, many pollinator bushes and flowers were planted to preserve and sustain the habitat of pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Canon Virginia
Installation of beehives
Canon Virginia, with its vast green space, has added bee hives. Bees are at risk of extinction and losing their natural habitat, the hives not only provide a habitat but also encourages pollination of native plants in the area by bees. To make employees aware of this activity, the company holds events to discuss the importance of bees and the benefits they bring to the community. In addition, we have been able to collect honey from the hives and offer it for sale to our employees.
Europe
Canon Spain
Bosque Canon (Canon Forest) Reforestation Project
With the help of our partner Bosquia, we successfully concluded a project to reforest Bosque Canon (Canon Forest.) We planted a total of 2,080 trees, including pine trees and white birches, on the beautiful beaches of Torimbia in northern Spain. Over the course of their expected lifetime of 30 years, these trees will offset 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide emitted by our business activities. In recognition of these activities, Canon Spain has become the first manufacturer in the Spanish printing industry to receive the COMPENSO seal from the Spanish Ministry of Environment.
Canon Europe
Supporting Coral Reef Conservation
Canon Europe has partnered with the London-based Coral Spawning Laboratory as an official imaging solution supplier. The cameras and lenses provided by Canon are used to observe and study the life cycle of corals which can be used by the researchers to optimize the coral spawning process. The Coral Spawning Lab team will be able to accurately document how the coral’s lifecycle plays a role in the restoration of reefs around the world.
Canon Giessen
Protecting Insects
In Europe, insect populations have been shrinking for more than 10 years. Loss of habitats, the use of agricultural insecticides, a lack of nesting areas, and climate change have all contributed to this decline. When insect numbers fall, it also leads to a decrease in the number of the birds that feed on these insects. At Canon Giessen, we install insect hotels, dead headges , and insect troughs on our premises to protect insects.
Axis Communications
Tree-Planting Activities and Technical Support in Ireland
We are participating in Cloudforests activities which involve planting trees on the northwest coast of County Clare in Ireland. In addition to participating in tree-planting activities, we are supporting Cloudforests with Axis technology. We record time lapses with a 4K camera and capture live video 24/7/365 with an automatic Axis camera to provide the forest scenery.
Axis Communications
Axis Forest, Cultivating a Lush and Green Future
Partnering with the environmental organization “Tree-Nation,” which has the goal of global reforestation, we have launched the tree-planting project “Axis Forest.” For each participant in “OPEN,” an Axis event series held in six European cities in 2023, we have planted one tree in the Axis Forest. In Mozambique, a country faced with serious forest destruction, a total of 3,500 trees has been planted, 175 tons of carbon dioxide were captured. We aim to plant 5,000 trees by the end of 2024.
Canon Research Center France
Protecting and Enhancing Biodiversity
Canon Research Center France is situated on a 45,000m2 site, the vast majority (80%) of which is greenery. Since 2011, we have worked together with the French League for the Protection of Birds--the official representative of BirdLife International in France--to protect and enhance biodiversity on our premises, and to increase the number of bird species that live here. To this end, we have focused on how we manage our green areas: we have changed the way we cut grass to protect the habitats of insects, discontinued the use of herbicides and pesticides, built greenhouse orchards, dug ponds to create habitats for butterflies, dragonflies, and crickets, and planted vegetation. Thanks to these efforts, a 2020 survey confirmed 34 species of wild birds on our premises, an increase of 31% over 2011.
Asia
Canon Hi-Tech (Thailand)
Eliminating Common Water Hyacinths to Maintain Water Quality
In Thailand, canals of various sizes connect to the Chao Phraya River. But during the rainy season, common water hyacinths grow in such abundance that these waterways become clogged. This profusion of common water hyacinths restricts the flow of water in the canals, leading to a deterioration in water quality and the destruction of ecosystems. In some cases, they even cause flooding. Every year, volunteers from Canon Hi-Tech (Thailand) work with local government workers and local residents to eliminate common water hyacinths before the rainy season starts, and to clean areas close to the canals. The removed common water hyacinths are recycled into biofertilizers.
Canon Hi-Tech (Thailand)
Protecting Marine Ecosystems
Thailand is one of the countries generating substantial quantities of marine plastic pollution, which contributes to the extinction of coral reefs. Corals are vital habitats, food sources, and nurseries for plants and aquatic animals. But by blocking sunlight, plastic waste can impede the photosynthesis of corals; and of course, the waste is concerning as a form of pollution in and of itself. By reducing our plastic waste emissions, at Canon Hi-Tech (Thailand) we have been engaging in coral reef protection activities including restoring marine ecosystems, regenerating coral reefs, and protecting sea turtles.
Canon Marketing (Thailand)/Material Automation (Thailand)
One Million Trees Project
Fifty-four employee volunteers supported the One Million Trees project organized by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and planted 106 trees in Benjakitti Forest Park in the center of Bangkok. Launched in 2022 by the governor of Bangkok, the One Million Trees project aims to plant at least one million trees in the capital over four years. The project, participated by public and private organizations as well as residents in Bangkok, seeks to create a “wall of green” to filter dust in the atmosphere and to expand green areas and shade in the capital.
Canon (Suzhou) /Canon Zhongshan Business Machines
Fry Release Activities
We are participating in the fry (young fish) release activities held by governments and organizations in regions where each company is located. Canon Suzhou participates in activities at Lake Tai (one of China's largest freshwater lakes) held by the Huqiu District Environmental Protection Industrial Association in Suzhou New District. Canon Suzhou has participated 9 consecutive times and was awarded a certificate of honor and a shield by the Ecological Environment Bureau of Suzhou for improving the quality of the lake and contributing to ecological diversity and sustainability through these activities. Canon Zhongshan has participated in these activities, held by the Zhongshan Fishery Bureau, since 2013, and participated in release activities at Xijiang Huazhou Park in Zhongshan in 2023.
Canon Medicdal Equipment (Dalian)
Plant Surveys
Around factories, plants native to Northern China such as the pagoda tree, the Nanking cherry, and the flowering plum, as well as plants such as the cherry plum and Rudbeckia have been planted. We regularly survey each of those plants by recording their blooming time and growth status. The flowers are in full bloom from April to May each year, filling employees' hearts with splendor.
Canon Hong Kong/Canon Electronic Business Machines (H.K.)/Canon Engineering Hong Kong
Remove Invasive Species for Protecting Biodiversity in Mai Po Nature Reserve
Volunteers from three companies joined hands to manually remove the invasive species mikania without using any herbicide in Mai Po Nature Reserve, which is managed by WWF-Hong Kong. The volunteers’ work helped maintain biodiversity and saved local species by attracting more light for photosynthesis.
Canon Opto (Malaysia)
Greening Malaysia Programme
We participated in a mangrove planting and river cleaning event held on April 22, Earth Day, hosted by the Selangor Department of the Environment, then we planted mangroves. The event formed part of the Greening Malaysia Programme, a state-backed goal to plant 100 million trees in Malaysia over five years from 2021 to 2025. The programme aims to raise public awareness toward the importance of improving biodiversity and protecting forests. Canon Opto (Malaysia) donated 500 mangrove trees and, together with the Selangor Department of the Environment and NGOs, we planted 1,000 mangrove trees and collected one tonne of rubbish.
Canon India
Coastal cleaning activities “Clean Coasts for Tomorrow”
We launched the Clean Coasts for Tomorrow initiative to ensure the long-term sustainability of our coasts. The initiative consists of coastal cleaning activities aimed at combating coastal pollution and protecting marine ecosystems. Employees from our Mumbai Office joined forces with children from adopted village that we, CIPL support on the outskirts of Mumbai to carry out cleaning activities at Aksa Beach, a famous Mumbai tourist destination. At CIPL, we are keen to point out the importance of protecting both coastal resources and marine ecosystems, particularly to younger generations.
Canon Hi-Tech (Thailand)/Canon Marketing (Thailand)/Material Automation (Thailand)
Protecting Coastal and Marine Environments
Our three companies work with local naval authorities to carry out coastal and marine environmental protection and beautification activities; our goal is to restore and protect marine ecosystems that have been impacted by plastic pollution. A total of 124 volunteers from our three companies took part in these activities at Nang Ram Beach, cleaning 2 km of coast and collecting approximately 100 kg of waste that had washed ashore. During these activities, we also encouraged tourists to help keep the coast clean, and planted 70 coral reefs.
Australia
Canon Australia
From restoration to abundance: Transforming our natural environment with Rainforest Rescue
As a silver partner of Rainforest Rescue, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection, planting and preservation of rainforests, Canon Oceania regularly supports the planting of trees in the forests of Daintree National Park in Mossman, Queensland.
© Jasmine Carey
Canon Australia/Canon New Zealand
Canon Oceania Grants Program
Canon Australia and Canon New Zealand have been supporting a number of community, educational, environmental and other organizations working for a better future through the Canon Grants Program for 17 years. The winners in the environmental category for 2023 were Hobart Rivulet Platypus, which protects and conserves the endangered platypus in the urban waterways of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, and Sustainable Oceans Society, which is implementing the Great White Project to deploy satellite tags on baby and juvenile Great White Sharks in the Tauranga harbor region in New Zealand. Canon provided grants and camera equipment to both organizations.
Canon New Zealand
Supporting Hinewai Reserve
Canon New Zealand supports Hinewai Reserve, an ecological restoration project that aims to foster the natural regeneration of native vegetation and wildlife. We purchased 154 credits, 20% of total, from this project which helped purchase farmland that included old growth forest and then to remove highly invasive and exotic plants to allow native plants to flourish. The native plants sequester more carbon dioxide and the soils supporting natives also sequester far more carbon dioxide that pasture grass. Restoring biodiversity also restores the co-benefits of the life supporting ecosystem services (e.g., cleans drinking water of the local township, reduces soils erosion and creates habitats for local native insects and birds.
© M. Klajban