REFER REPORT
Regenerating local resources through forestation with corporations, and developing opportunities for learning and interaction through nature experiences
Keikyu Corporation (Head office: Nishi-ku, Yokohama, President: Yukihiro Kawamata, hereinafter referred to as Keikyu Corporation) and HARAPPA Inc. (Head office: Zushi, Kanagawa, CEO: Akira Tsukagoshi, hereinafter referred to as Harappa University), which operates “Harappa University,” a space for adults and children to play in nature in Zushi, Kanagawa, and Sakura, Chiba, have announced thatAs part of the “Miura Forest Project,” which utilizes Keikyu’s company-owned forests, we will launch a “Forestry Co-Creation Partner Project” (hereinafter referred to as “this project”) for corporations from October 2024.
In this project, we will invite corporate companies that share the Miura Forest Project’s goal of “creating forests for the future” to become “forest co-creation partners.” Together with employees of these co-creation partner companies, they will envision the future of Miura Forest and visit Miura Forest on an ongoing basis throughout the year. As stakeholders in forest creation, they will take part in forest maintenance, field creation, beekeeping, playground creation, and more.By having employees of each company continually enter the forest and experience nature, it will create a variety of learning opportunities and a forum for interaction that transcends corporate boundaries.
The Miura Forest Project, which was launched in 2023, involves healthy management of approximately 100 hectares of company-owned forest owned by Keikyu Electric Railway on the Miura Peninsula, a project to maintain biodiversity and connect the area to the future. Thinning has been carried out to turn the forest into a sunny place, and the wood from the thinning has been installed as benches at Keikyu Line stations, sold as forest tumblers, and the forest space has been utilized as a play area.
Through this project, Keikyu Corporation will use a portion of the participation fees for forest regeneration efforts such as tree thinning as a new scheme for the regeneration and utilization of forests and satoyama, thereby building a model for further forest regeneration and contributing to the realization of a circular society.
1. Overview
(1) We will invite corporate companies that share the vision of the Miura Forest Project for creating forests that will lead to a better future to become Forest Co-Creation Partners. Together with their employees, they will visit Miura Forest on an ongoing basis throughout the year and become involved in forest and satoyama creation, participating in forest and satoyama creation activities such as forest maintenance, farming, beekeeping, and creating playgrounds.
(2) By continually going into the forest, touching the soil, and spending time with living creatures, employees will gain experience that allows them to develop a deeper connection with nature through trial and error in a natural space.
(3) Set in the natural environment of the Miura Peninsula, close to central Tokyo, employees will have the opportunity to engage in extraordinary learning experiences with each other and with members of other companies.
(4) By participating in the regeneration of local resources, corporations can also promote their CSR activities.
(5) We aim to build a model for reforestation, and to work as a precedent example of “human capital management” by revitalizing individuals and organizations through the joint use of idle assets by multiple companies.
2. Contents
(1) Partner companies will participate in “Forest and Satoyama Creation” activities (approximately once a month) throughout the year.
(2) We will hold Work Days for employees of the partner companies and Open Days for their families to participate in, and encourage them to visit the forest throughout the year and experience various workshops.
(3) During activities, members will provide advice and support on forest maintenance, field creation, etc.
3. Schedule
(1) Partner recruitment: Starting in September 2024 (The initial recruitment is expected to be around six companies, on a first-come, first-served basis.)
(2) Start date of activities: October 2024 (preliminary activities will begin in September)
4. Location of activities
Nobi area, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
5. Costs
For participation fees and other details, please contact the following:
6. Contact Us
Forest Co-Creation Partner Secretariat (HARAPPA Co., Ltd.)
Email: info@harappa-daigaku.jp
Reference
“Miura Forest Project”
2. Start date
February 2023
3. Purpose
By managing forests in a healthy manner, we aim to further utilize the forests’ carbon dioxide absorption function and create beautiful, functional forests that maintain biodiversity.
“Creating a future where people and nature are connected in good health through environmental conservation”
4. Achievements
(1) Thinning work
With the cooperation of the Kanagawa Prefecture Forestry Association, we are carrying out forest management, including appropriate thinning, and creating an environment where sunlight can penetrate to the ground in order to rejuvenate the forest.
(2) Utilization of thinned wood
The thinned trees are used to generate electricity as “wood biomass fuel” at the Yokosuka Biomass Power Plant, operated by Takeei Green Recycle Co., Ltd., and from April 2023, Hayama Marina, a Keikyu Group company, will switch all of its electricity usage to renewable energy electricity (derived from wood biomass) with virtually zero CO2 emissions, made in part from trees felled from company-owned forests.
We also sold “Forest Tumblers” that feature train designs, and installed wooden benches at stations.
(3) Mountain Activities
We are working with HARAPPA Inc., which operates “Harappa University,” a playground in nearby nature that utilizes thinned forests, to create a playground with the aim of developing content that parents and children can enjoy together.
[About Harappa University]
HARAPPA Co., Ltd., which started in Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture in 2015, is a play university for parents and children. It holds programs and nature training for corporations throughout the year at the fields in Zushi and Sakura Forest in Sakura, Chiba Prefecture. Currently, there are about 600 families as members. The “Parent and Child Department” brings together parents and children of a wide range of ages, from children who have just started walking to those who have reached adolescence. The programs are offered in three departments: the “Children’s Department,” which is for children of elementary school age and above, and the “Adult Department,” where adults can play to their heart’s content.
・Company name: HARAPPA Inc.
Location: 3-5-40 Shinjuku, Zushi City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Established: July 2015
・Capital: 26.5 million yen
Representative: Akira Tsukagoshi
・URL
Source: Japanese