Natural Water Sanctuary Initiative—Securing 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and sustainability of groundwater, we are cultivating water resources that are more than twice the amount of water withdrawn by our manufacturing plants. This is achieved by fostering water resource recharge in the forest areas surrounding these plants. We identify 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 27 Suntory Natural Water Sanctuaries in 16 prefectures, covering a total area of more than 12,000 hectares.
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 Forest Maintenance Promotion Council, through which we cooperate 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 manufacturing plants, and combine it with field survey information to deepen understanding of the underground which we normally cannot see. We intend 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 this data 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 (in Japanese)
Forest Cultivation that Looks 50 and 100 Years into the Future
All forests are different. Understanding the unique characteristics and challenges of each Natural Water Sanctuary is crucial.
Our activities involve implementation of the R-PDCA cycle including 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 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; thus, 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 the Natural Water Sanctuary Initiative in order to provide the invaluable blessings 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 Initiative Policy and Structure.
Protecting Biodiversity: A Healthy Forest is One Full of Life
If there are many different types of vegetation in a forest, there will be more types of small animals that eat them, attracting animals that, in turn,eat those small animals. In a healthy environment like this, a pyramid formed by various organisms is completed.
In Suntory 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 Declaration of Biodiversity. In 2024, we participated in Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites, 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 Japan’s forests and an “Actions” section that provides simple explanations and examples of activities to address these issues in Suntory Natural Water Sanctuaries.
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 flora and fauna 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 Suntory 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 Suntory Natural Water Sanctuaries.
Eagles/Hawks Rearing Support Project
Becoming More Familiar with Natural Water Sanctuaries
It is sometimes necessary to cut down trees to keep a forest healthy. Suntory Group calls wood material made from the 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
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 tabletops at PRONTO msb Tamachi
Store -
Town hall chair in Mashiki Town,
Kumamoto Prefecture
Video: Ikurinzai—Timber from Cultivated Forests Project (in Japanese)
Nature Positive Forum
This forum is a newly launched initiative that builds on the Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary Forum, which was held nine times from 2011.
Since 2025, it has been re launched as the Nature Positive Forum with the endorsement of the Ministry of the Environment and the Forestry Agency of Japan.
In 2025, the forum featured an introduction to the Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary Initiative, as well as discussions on the significance and practical implementation of nature positive approaches and the importance of education, shared from diverse perspectives across industry, government, and academia.
Going forward, the forum aims to foster momentum for nature positive action by bringing together national and local governments, corporations, and other stakeholders across sectors.
The 2025 forum, held at Suntory Hall
Training Program for Employees
We are advancing forestry volunteer activities for our employees at Suntory Natural Water Sanctuaries. Up until 2013, many employees and their families took part.
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. Approximately 13,000 employees in our alcoholic and non-alcoholic businesses have participated as of March 2026.
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Employees planting trees
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Employees pruning trees at a Natural
Water Sanctuary
Participation in the 30by30 Alliance for Biodiversity in Japan
In April 2022, 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 September 2025, eight Suntory Natural Water Sanctuaries are certified as “Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites” promoted by the Ministry of the Environment to achieve the 30by30 goal.
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1.Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary Hyogo Nishiwaki-Monryusan (Nishiwaki City, Hyogo Prefecture)
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2.Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary Tokyo Akigawa (Akiruno City, Tokyo)
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3.Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary Shizuoka Oyama (Oyama Town, Sunto District, Shizuoka Prefecture)
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4.Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary Nikko Kirifuri (Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture)
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5.Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary Ohmi (Hino Town, Gamo District, Shiga Prefecture)
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6.Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary Akagi (Shibukawa City and Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture)
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7.Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary Okudaisen (Kurayoshi City and Kofu Town, Hino District, Tottori Prefecture)
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8.Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary Okutama (Hinohara Village, Nishitama District, Tokyo)
- *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.
Wisdom of Water (Suntory) Corporate Sponsored Research Program Organization for Interdisciplinary Research Project at 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 school students
The Wisdom of Water and Scientific Study of Forests and Water websites
Official Partnership for National Parks
Suntory Group concluded the Official Partnership for National Parks with the Ministry of the Environment in 2016.
The Official Partnership for National Parks distinction 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 national parks are located.
We will continue to promote the wonders of Japan’s national parks along with our Natural Water Sanctuary Initiative.
