Initiative 
Living Things
Dedication 
Sanctuaries Natural Water Sanctuary Akagi
This Sanctuary has been established in the water-source conservation area shared by the Suntory Spirits Ltd. Gunma Brewery and the Suntory Products Ltd. Haruna Plant.
This page explains the initiatives of our Natural Water Sanctuary Akagi.
- Agreement start date
- December 2005 (the area has gradually expanded since then)
- Area
- About 1,310 ha
- Applicable plant
-
Gunma Brewery, Suntory Spirits Ltd.
Haruna Plant, Suntory Products Ltd.
Restoring Hunting Grounds for the Mountain Hawk-Eagle
In our Natural Water Sanctuary Akagi, there was once a riverside area where the Mountain Hawk-Eagle used to hunt. Over time, this area became overgrown with vegetation, making it unsuitable for hunting.
To restore the area, the trees and undergrowth were cleared, and clusters of adjacent cedar trees were fully harvested. In their place, broadleaf trees were planted on the cleared land. The area beneath the trees now serves as shelter for small animals, and since the maintenance work, Mountain Hawk-Eagles have begun returning to hunt.
Bird names are listed in accordance with the Check-list of Japanese Birds, 8th Revised Edition.
Experts involved in this Initiative
Toru Yamazaki
President, Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network
Takashi Fujii
Research Manager, Japanese Society for Preservation of Birds Research Department
Creating Forest from Scratch
In this 2.6-hectare area that had been clear-cut before Suntory signed the conservation agreement, a Grand Tree-Planting Festival was held to begin nurturing a healthy forest for wildlife and groundwater replenishment, from the ground up.
The event brought together local elementary and high school students, community members, staff from the Gunma Forest Management Office, and Suntory employees to plant a variety of broadleaf trees. Through initiatives like this, Suntory employees and the local community are working together.
Experts involved in this Initiative
Takeshi Tange
Senior Professor, The University of Tokyo
Products Related to Natural Water Sanctuary Akagi
The high-quality groundwater nurtured by our Natural Water Sanctuaries, such as Natural Water Sanctuary Akagi, is used in Suntory beer products, including The Premium Malt’s. We provide products that prioritize both exceptional taste and uncompromising safety, harnessing the gifts of nature in their original form.
Sanctuary Details
- Location
- Shimotazawa, Kurohone Town, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture
- Area
- About 10 ha
- Agreement Start
- December 2005
- Agreement Period
- 30 years
Under the Forestry Agency’s corporate forest program, Suntory is working with the national government to promote forest conservation and cultivation.
- Location
- Kita-Akagisan, Akagi Town, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture
- Area
- About 1,300 ha
- Agreement date
- December 2008
- Agreement period
- Five-year renewable agreement (intended to continue for 100 years)
An agreement has been signed with the Gunma Forest Management Office, part of the Kanto Regional Forest Bureau, under the “Forests for Social Contribution” initiative. Additionally, our “Suntory Natural Water Sanctuary Akagi 100-Year Forest Development Council” has been established to lead and promote these efforts.
In 2024, our Natural Water Sanctuary Akagi was the first national forest to be certified as an Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECM)*.
*These are areas recognized by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment as regions where biodiversity conservation is being effectively promoted through private sector efforts.
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