In DOWA group, initiatives for protection of nature and regional contribution focused on tree planting and management of forests owned by us were the mainstay so far. However, by developing the biodiversity basic policy, we have started initiatives further intended at understanding the relationship between our business and the biodiversity.
In FY2014, we conducted a survey for confirming the biological conservation areas and water source areas etc. in our workplace and the neighborhood, and status of tree planting and nature conservation activities in all the offices. In future, we would like to use this information for developing an action plan, by organizing the initiatives possible on office level and those that need to be managed and promoted by the HQ, based on the information obtained.
O u r c o m p a n y, which experienced the forest destruction due to mining activities in the past, considers activities such as planting trees and reviving the indigenous vegetation as our mission, and a big challenge that need to be tackled continuously.
In FY2006, we began planting trees in the smelter site in Kosaka, Akita Prefecture. Nurturing plants at a mining site is difficult. While cooperating with local forestry associations and seed dealers, we have selected indigenous tree species such as Quercus serrata, Japanese Oak, and Japanese beech, under the guidance of Center for International Studies in Ecology, which is engaged in plant ecology research. Since FY2007, we have started tree planting activities with local residents as "Reforestation of Kosaka / Hometown tree-planting ceremony", which is taking roots as a place for local communication. So far, we have planted a total of 140,000 trees of 25 different species in past 8 years. Saplings that were 50 cm initially have now grown to 2 m. Forestation of the hometown is thus taking place surely and steadily.
Supply of paper, which is a forest resource, is one of the important ecosystem services. It is a challenge that also involves climate change and waste materials.
Since the manufacturing business of DOWA Group is centered on the non-ferrous metals, it does not use any biological resources apart from water as primary raw material. However, paper is used in all the offices in Japan and abroad. The group as a whole purchases a large amount of paper every year. Therefore, for copy papers and pamphlets, we use papers made from a combination of waste papers and forest-certified wood pulp.
In addition, CSR Procurement Guidelines of DOWA group requires disclosure of environmental activities such as conservation of nature and environmental impact reduction to the suppliers whenever needed. At the time of tenders for central purchasing of paper we confirm that suppliers companies are doing a "responsible paper procurement" based on CSR procurement policy.
