Wild birds are said to be an indicator of natural environment. Understanding that the wild bird protection is linked to the protection of humans and the natural environment, we began our involvement in bird conservation activities in 1973.
History of Suntory Bird Conservation Activities
| Year of activity | Content |
|---|---|
| 1973 |
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| 1989 |
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| 1990 |
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| 1993 |
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| 2006 |
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| 2014 |
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| 2016 |
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| 2018 |
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| 2021 |
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| 2022 |
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1st Save the Birds! Campaign newspaper ad
The Suntory Fund for Bird Conservation
As one of the activities commemorating the 90th anniversary of our founding, we enhanced bird conservation activities with the establishment of the Suntory Fund for Bird Conservation in 1989. As this initiative is designated to promote global environmental conservation through the protection of wild birds, funds are granted for bird protection activities both in Japan and overseas.
Over the 33 years since becoming a charitable trust in 1990, the Foundation has granted total of ¥623 million to 472 organizations up to 2022, making great achievements. 2020 presentation ceremony has been canceled to avoid risk of covid-19. In 2021 and 2022, the presentation ceremony was held online.
The 30th Fund Granting Ceremony of
Public Trust Suntory Fund for Bird
Conservation
The 33th Fund Granting Online Ceremony of
Public Trust Suntory Fund for Bird
Conservation
Presentation of activities of
foreign grantees who participated
online in the presentation ceremony
The Hakushu Distillery Bird Sanctuary
We started bird conservation activities in 1973, and in the same year, as the first private company, we opened a wild bird sanctuary in the Hakushu Distillery in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Surrounded by rich forests and many clear streams, the Hakushu Distillery is a relay point of migration for wild birds. In the bird sanctuary, Suntory periodically conducts bird research and, together with the local people, engages in forest preservation activities to maintain an environment by various activities including nest box hanging and other activities.
The Hakushu Distillery Bird Sanctuary
Blue-and-white flycatcher
Ural Owl
Red-flanked bluetail
Narcissus Flycatcher
Hanging boxes in the Bird Sanctuary
Communication
We are putting out a broad range of information through our websites and other tools to familiarize more people with these wild birds. On the Japanese Bird Encyclopedia website, anyone can enjoy learning about over 200 species of wild birds through illustrations with explanations, bird calls, and pictures.
The Bird Watching that Starts Today website recommends bird watching spots nearby while introducing hints and points of caution when observing wild birds. These websites can even be enjoyed while out and about on a smartphone.
We are also creating leaflets on how to easily distinguish the birds around you to help in bird watching and leaflets about how to easily make feeders, birdbaths and nest to encourage birds into your area.
Japanese Bird Encyclopedia website
The Bird Watching that Starts Today website
Save the Birds Activity leaflets