Suntory Limited, a participant in conservation efforts in Tottori Prefecture promoting a "symbiotic forest," concluded an agreement on June 26 with Tottori Prefecture and Kohfu Town regarding forest conservation and management. Preparations are now complete for Suntory's conservation and development of forests to serve as sources of fresh water in the Okudaisen area, as part of the company's "Forest of Natural Water" program there.

In this program, Suntory works with local organizations to develop forests that provide excellent sources of fresh water, to protect ecosystems, and to offer reforestation opportunities that bring people into contact with the natural environment. Suntory started water resource cultivation projects in 2003 with the Suntory "Forest of Natural Water" project, targeting national forests by the south rim of Mt. Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture. Nine sites around Japan now benefit from Suntory's efforts to protect sources of water.

As construction continues on the Suntory Natural Water Products Buna No Mori Plant in Okudaisen (Kohfu Town, Hino-gun, Tottori Prefecture), participating in the Tottori symbiotic forest project affords the opportunity to protect and nurture national forests near the plant, which are entrusted to Suntory under the nickname "Forest of Natural Water Okudaisen." This agreement represents the largest area and longest term for a commitment in the Tottori "symbiotic forest" system. Suntory will protect about 88 hectares for a period of 30 years. With about 59 hectares of national forests already protected in Tottori Prefecture, Suntory Forest of Natural Water Okudaisen brings the total area under conservation to about 147 hectares.

• *In this project, Tottori Prefecture and local municipalities act as a bridge between forest owners and corporations, NPOs, and other nongovernmental organizations, with the goal of managing local resources and conserving forests in the prefecture. During the term in which forests are entrusted to corporations by forest owners at no cost, the corporations voluntarily care for the forests according to sound principles.

Suntory Forest of Natural Water Okudaisen

Location	Mitsukue, Oaza, Kohfu Town, Hino-gun, Tottori Prefecture
Area	Approximately 88 hectares
Term	30 years