Natural Water Sanctuary Initiative -- For the Future of Water and Life
Suntory is a "water" company.
Without high quality water, we are unable to produce any beer, soft drinks, or whisky.
This is because water, especially groundwater, serves as Suntory Group's lifeline.
This precious groundwater is nurtured in the forest.
To ensure the safety, security and sustainability of groundwater, we are cultivating water resources that are more than twice the amount of water withdrawn by our plants. This is achieved by fostering water resource recharge in the forest areas surrounding our plants. We identify these water source recharge areas through our Institute for Water Science, and establish mid-to-long-term agreements with local governments and forest owners for forest management, designating these areas as Suntory Natural Water Sanctuaries.
In addition to the first sanctuary location established in Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture in 2003, there are now 26 Suntory Natural Water Sanctuaries in 16 prefectures, covering a total area of more than 12,000ha.
<Natural Water Sanctuary> Development Targets
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(1)Forests with a great capacity for cultivating water resources
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(2)Forests rich in biodiversity
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(3)Forests able to withstand flooding and landslides
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(4)Forests with great CO2 absorption capabilities
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(5)Beautiful forests where visitors can encounter nature in all its abundance
(used for education programs, etc.)
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*1In Nagaokakyo, Kyoto, we are a member of the Nishiyama Forestry Development Promotion Committee and we are cooperating in local forest preservation activities with people in the community. The area of the forests subject to this activity is not counted as part of our total Natural Water Sanctuary area.
For more information, see Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary.
Looking at Groundwater -- Comparing simulation models with results from field surveys
One of the main purposes of our Natural Water Sanctuary Initiative is to improve the function of forests for recharging water resources.
As a way to evaluate the results, Suntory Group has been attempting to quantitatively evaluate the amount of groundwater recharge using a groundwater flow simulation model since 2006, and we are gradually approaching a level of accuracy which would allow the model to be used. Through the simulation of groundwater flow, we attempt to simulate where groundwater passes and how long it takes to reach our plants, and combine it with field survey information to deepen understanding of the underground which we normally cannot see. We would like to incorporate these results into the maintenance plan which will lead to more effective cultivation of water source recharge areas.
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In addition to simulation results, it is also important
to combine these results with results based on
information gathered in the field during hydrologic
surveys, etc. for verification. -
GETFLOWS for groundwater circulation simulations
Video: Groundwater circulation simulation model with GETFLOWS
Forest Cultivation Which Looks 50 years and 100 Years Into the Future
All forests are different. Understanding the unique characteristics and challenges of each Natural Water Sanctuary is crucial.
We engage in activities that follow the R-PDCA cycle which includes scientifically-based survey and research (Research), which serves as the foundation, creation of a vision (development plan) suited to each forest (Plan), maintenance work conducted by professionals (Do), verification of results (Check), and consideration of measures for improvement/conducting re-examination (Action).
The areas and fields of investigation and research targeted by the Natural Water Sanctuary Initiative are diverse and linked organically. For instance, in recent years, deer grazing pressure has become a significant issue, leading to soil erosion in some areas as surface plants are exhausted, impacting ecosystems and water recharge functions. Public-private partnerships are essential for addressing such widespread issues, so we are working alongside local communities and relevant organizations.
In doing so, cooperation based on the knowledge and skills of experts in various fields and of people in local communities are indispensable. The Sanctuaries also serve as a field for next-generation environmental education through Suntory Mizuiku - Education Program for Nature and Water, which emphasizes the importance of forests that nurture groundwater, and for Suntory employees to experience forest maintenance firsthand.
Suntory continues the implementation of Natural Water Sanctuary Initiative in order to provide the invaluable gifts of nature to our children, grandchildren, and future generations by humbly listening to various related issues and working together with local communities.
For more information, see Activities Policy and Systems (in Japanese)
A Healthy Forest is One Full of Life – Protecting Biodiversity
If there are many different types of plants in a forest, there will be an increase in the types of small animals that eat them, resulting in attracting animals that eat those small animals. In a healthy environment like this, a pyramid formed by various organisms is completed.
In Natural Water Sanctuaries, we conduct planned management through continuous ecosystem monitoring of birds, plants, insects, and other creatures. In January 2011, we also became a Pledge Partner for Japan Business Federation's Biodiversity Declaration. In 2024, we participated in Sites Coexisting with Nature, led by the Ministry of the Environment, taking the lead for actions that will help create a society rich in biodiversity.
Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary Biodiversity Restoration Report
In 2022, we published the Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary Biodiversity Restoration Report. This report consists of 2 sections, a "Facts & Data" section that summarizes various issues facing Japanese forests and an “Actions” section which provides simple explanations and examples of activities to address these issues in "Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary."
Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary Biodiversity Restoration Report
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Ecological Pyramid of a
Forest: Protecting the soil
and vegetation leads to
the protection of the entire
ecosystem -
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Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary
Biodiversity Restoration Report
Biodiversity in the Natural Water Sanctuary from a Bird's Perspective
The plant and animal life living in the forest will change if the typical functions of the forest can be revitalized. Focusing on wild birds, which are said to serve as a barometer of a given environment, we conduct wild bird surveys by specialists in the Natural Water Sanctuaries every year based on the idea that it is possible to comprehensively grasp the changes in the entire ecosystem that supports them.
In addition, we have been promoting the project of nest building and rearing of chicks by eagles and hawks at all the Natural Water Sanctuaries in Japan with the purpose of advancing the development of a forest rich with biodiversity by taking the perspective of natural wild birds in the Natural Water Sanctuaries.
Eagles/Hawks Rearing Support Project
Becoming More Familiar with Natural Water Sanctuaries
It is sometimes necessary to cut down trees in order to keep a forest healthy. Suntory Group calls wood material made from Natural Water Sanctuary Initiative to nurture sustainable water and forests "Ikurinzai" - timber from cultivated forests, carefully using all the conifer and broad-leaved trees removed during tree cutting, road creation, and other activities.
For more information, see Ikurinzai – Timber from Cultivated Forests (in Japanese)
Case Examples of Timber Utilization Inside and Outside of the Company
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Research Location: Timber used to create
the entrance (flooring, etc.) of Suntory
World Research Center -
All table tops at PRONTO mbs Tamachi
shop. -
Town Hall Chair in Mashiki Town,
Kumamoto Prefecture
Video: Ikurinzai – Timber from Cultivated Forests Project (in Japanese)
Natural Water Sanctuary Forum
Based on the goal of "Creating Forests Which Nurture Water and Life," specialists in a variety of fields who provide coaching and collaborate in Natural Water Sanctuary Initiative are invited the form which serves as an opportunity to share the newest expertise and policies for future activities. The forum was held 9 times in total from 2011 to 2019.
A poster session where guests can ask lecturers questions and exchange opinions
Training Program for Employees
We are advancing employee forestry volunteer activity at our Suntory Natural Water Sanctuaries. Up until 2013, many employees and their families joined these activities as volunteers.
Since 2014, the program has evolved into a forest maintenance experience aimed at helping each employee personally understand and embody Suntory Group’s corporate philosophy. More than 12,000 employees in alcoholic and non-alcoholic businesses have participated so far. This training is currently included in the onboarding program for new employee.
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Employees planting trees
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Employees pruning trees at a Natural
Water Sanctuary
Participation in "30by30 Alliance for Biodiversity" in Japan
In April 2022, the Suntory Group joined the 30by30 Alliance for Biodiversity, which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss to realize a sustainable society. Through this Alliance, we are helping to achieve international goals by obtaining certification for Suntory Natural Water Sanctuaries as OECMs.*
As of April 2025, 6 Suntory Natural Water Sanctuaries are certified as "Sites Coexisting with Nature" promoted by the Ministry of the Environment to achieve the "30by30" goal.
- *Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures. Areas where the private sector and others undertake conservation efforts or where management not aimed at conservation also results in contribution to the protection of the natural environment.
About the 30by30 Alliance for Biodiversity
The alliance is formed as a voluntary coalition of local governments, companies, and NPOs to conserve or protect at least 30% of Japan’s land and sea areas by 2030 to halt loss and restore biodiversity.
1. Hyogo Nishiwaki-Monryusan (Nishiwaki City, Hyogo)
2. Tokyo Akigawa (Akiruno City, Tokyo)
3. Shizuoka Oyama (Oyama Town, Shizuoka)
Wisdom of Water (Suntory) Corporate Sponsored Research Program Organization for Interdisciplinary Research Project The University of Tokyo
Suntory Holdings Ltd. established the Wisdom of Water (Suntory) Corporate Sponsored Research Program Organization for Interdisciplinary Research Project at the University of Tokyo in April 2008, conducting this research program for 5 years. The initiative aimed to enhance societal interest in water, thereby promoting solutions to water issues and the creation of rich aquatic environments. It also sought to contribute to the development of researchers in the academic field by leveraging the expertise of both organizations in various activities.
Activity Examples
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"Water Map of Japan"
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"Water Drill" educational contents for
elementary students
The Wisdom of Water and Scientific Study of Forests and Water websites
Official Partnership for National Parks
Suntory Group has concluded the "Official Partnership for National Parks" with the Ministry of the Environment in 2016.
The Official Partnership for National Parks aims to promote the appeal of Japan's national parks globally and increase the number of domestic and international visitors. The aim of attracting more visitors both from Japan and overseas is to deepen people's understanding of conserving the natural environment and revitalize the areas where the national parks are located.
We will continue to promote the wonders of the national park along with our Natural Water Sanctuary Initiative.
