Organizer

Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies

Details

Renewable energy expansion and biodiversity conservation are often treated as a trade-off. Yet projects designed in harmony with local ecosystems already exist in Japan. This session shares pioneering practices, including agrivoltaics coexisting with white stork conservation in Hyogo, and solar installations supporting wildflowers and insects in Nagano. International trends and policy will also be covered. Through dialogue between speakers and participants, the session aims to build knowledge and networks to turn this trade-off into synergy across Japan.

Speakers

• Noriaki YAMASHITA（ISEP）
• Christian Doedt（ISEP）
• Shuta MANO（UPDATER, Inc.）
• Kenji SHINO（Patagonia Japan）
• Toshikazu SUGANUMA（Ohisama Shimpo Energy corporation）
• Michiru KITAHARA（Ohisama Shimpo Energy corporation）
• Kensuke KITO（Mizuho Research Institute）
• Tatsuya URA（Wild Bird Society of Japan）
• Nobuhiko WAKAMATSU (The Nature Conservation Society of Japan(NACS-J))
• Kanako AKE (IUCN-J)
• Manabu NISHIMURA（Ministry of Environment）
• Seishu OKUDA（Ministry of Environment）

Language

Japanese

Organizer

Setouchi Nagisa Forum

Details

Hosted by the Setouchi Nagisa Forum, this event focuses on supporting regional companies and banks in transitioning to nature-based capital businesses. We explore reframing environmental efforts from "costs" to "earning power." The session highlights how local manufacturing technologies can solve marine issues and discusses how regional banks can build nature-positive financing frameworks. Expected outcomes include nationwide spreading of locally-led nature-positive implementation models and forging new partnerships to drive regional economic revitalization.

Speakers

• Yota Takakura (CEO, Innoqua Inc.)
• Norikazu Takeda (Senior Specialist, Sustainability Promotion Department,Chugin Financial Group, Inc. )
• Asako Kinoshita (Executive Officer, General Manager of Sustainability, Hirogin Holdings, Inc.)

Language

Japanese

Organizer

IFSAQ（International Forestry Students’ Association Local Committee KYUSHU）

Details

As digital natives, Millennials and Gen Z are highly aware of environmental issues, yet many students remain passive onlookers rather than taking action. To change this, we established IFSAQ. Last March, we entirely student-led an international project in Kyushu, hosting 30 students from Indonesia, South Korea, and Taiwan. Through this event, we explore how to empower youth to transition from awareness to action, and examine the unique, impactful roles students can play in achieving a nature-positive future.

Speakers

• Miwa Inoue
• Takeshi Yamamoto
• Takahiro Tsuzaki
• Mizuki Fukuda
• Terumasa Shiratsuchi

Language

Japanese

Organizer

Japan Environmental Education Forum

Details

For more than a decade, Japan Environmental Education Forum(JEEF) has implemented community-based initiatives in Indonesia and Bangladesh that promote environmental conservation, restoration, and sustainable livelihoods. This session presents practical case studies, highlighting key outcomes, successful approaches, challenges, and lessons learned. Together with participants, we will explore what is needed at the local level to achieve Nature-positive outcomes and practical approaches to sustain long-term impact.

Speakers

• Makoto Yata(Japan Environmental Education Forum)
• Mika Otsuka(Japan Environmental Education Forum)

Language

Japanese

Organizer

ICLEI Japan

Details

This session will present case studies from Sado City and Minamisanriku Town, which are case study areas for the Strategic Research and Development Project (S-21) under the Comprehensive Promotion Fund for Environmental Research, titled “Research on the Development and Social Application of an Integrated Assessment Model for Biodiversity and Socioeconomic Factors.” In both regions, where initiatives based on a landscape approach are already underway, efforts are being made to conduct integrated assessments that scientifically evaluate the relationship between the future state of local communities and economies and the natural environment. Regarding these efforts, local government officials and researchers will present their initiatives and share their perspectives, followed by a panel discussion.

Speakers

• Osamu Saito (Program Director, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES))
• Shizuka Hashimoto (Professor, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences and Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Tokyo)
• Katsunori Nakagawa (Director, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Sado City)
• Mitsuyo Toyoda (Professor, Sado Island Center for Ecological Sustainability, Faculty of Agriculture, Niigata University)
• Mai Miyagawa (Director, Planning Section, Minamisanriku Town)
• Akihiro Dazai (Representative Director, Center for Sustainable Society)
• Togo Uchida (Executive Director, ICLEI Japan)
• Yasuo Takahashi (Deputy Director, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES))

Language

Japanese

Organizer

Keio University Keio STAR/ Center for Sustainable Finance, Japanese Standards Association

Details

This session will discuss key issues required for the development of international rules aimed at addressing both biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.
Taking climate change regulations into account, we will discuss the issues surrounding the assessment rules for biodiversity. Specifically, we wish to explore the consistency between the two, the direction of assessment rules for biodiversity, including their consistency with climate change regulations and the differences in their nature, whilst discussing the key issues in rule-making with panelists and the audience.

Speakers

Coordinator

• Shiro Hori (Japanese Standards Association)

Panelists

• Yoji Natori (IUCN-J/Akita Intentional University)
• Daan van der Wekken (Head of Sustainability, British Standards Institution (BSI))
• Adam Stingemore (Chief Development Officer, Standards Australia)

Presenters

• Kanako Morita(Keio University)
• Maiko Nishi(Nihon University)
• Midori Sasaki(Taisei Corporation)

Language

English

Organizer

BLUERIVIVE General Incorporated Association

Details

This session brings together fishers from across Kyushu's four regions—Genkai-nada, Yamakawa, Iki, and Hyuga—to share grassroots marine nature-positive practices. Featuring field-led initiatives in seagrass and seaweed bed restoration, blue carbon, regional revitalization, and capacity building, discussions will explore collaborative frameworks uniting fishers, government, businesses, and research institutions. Through dialogue with domestic and international participants, the session aims to foster partnerships and serve as a launching pad for expanding Kyushu's pioneering marine conservation model throughout Japan and Asia.

Speakers

• Shozo Kesamaru(BLUEREVIVE (General Incorporated Association)
• Tomokazu Kawabata(Yamakawa Sea Cradle Conservation Society)
• Hironori Yamanaka(Iki Aquaculture Center)
• Ai Iwamoto(Hiraiwa Shellfish and Seaweed Harvesting Group)
• Toru Narazaki(Karatsu City)

Language

Japanese

Organizer

Japanese Biosphere Reserves Network

Co-organizer

AEON Environmental Foundation

Details

This side event aims to share practical knowledge of nature-positive initiatives led by young people in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (BR) across Japan and to encourage greater youth engagement. The event will showcase diverse activities, ranging from forest restoration by junior high school students and branding of traditional industries by university students to wider network-building by BR-based youth organizations. It provides a valuable platform for young people to present their achievements, strengthen connections, and promote collaborative regional models involving government, academia, businesses, and local communities.

Speakers

• Saku Monden (Aya Biosphere Reserve Promotion Division, Aya Town Office)
• Naoki Maeda (Aya Junior High School)
• Yua Kawakami (Aya Junior High School)
• Noa Sueyoshi (Aya Junior High School)
• Kokoro Matsuzaki (Aya Junior High School)
• Zenta Ozeki (Nature Conservation Promotion Office, Oita Prefectural Government)
• Miyu Koga (College of Sustainability and Tourism, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University)
• Ryosuke Horie (College of Sustainability and Tourism, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University)
• Aika Matsui (College of Sustainability and Tourism, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University)
• Ikumi Kamei (College of Sustainability and Tourism, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University)
• Momone Matsue (College of Sustainability and Tourism, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University)
• Osamu Harasawa (Planning Division, Minakami Town Office)
• Nanae Kikuchi (Tanigawadake Ecotourism Promotion Council)
• Kazuho Nomura (Japan MAB Youth)
• Kokone Nakamura (Japan MAB Youth)
• Takumi Akiyama (Japan MAB Youth)

Language

Japanese

Organizer

Forestry Agency

Details

Enhancing ecosystem services through sustainable forest management is expected to play an increasing role in the transition toward a nature-positive society. In countries like Japan where a large proportion of forests have been maintained through human intervention, keeping the secondary nature through stakeholder engagement for sustainable use of forest resources, along with conserving natural forest, is also important.
The event showcases some leading initiatives by both public and private entities promoting forest management and conservation or developing methodologies for assessing ecosystem services provided by working forests, followed by an expert panel.

Speakers

• Eiji TANIMURA (Deputy Director-General, Forestry Agency)
• Shigetaka IWAKAWA (Deputy Mayor of Yakushima Town)
• Motosaburo SAITO (International Sustainable Forestry Coalition(ISFC)／General Manager, Oji Forest Value-Creation & Promotion Dept., OMO Corporate Marketing & Strategy Div., Oji Holdings Corporation.)
• Yoriyuki YAMADA, Ph.D. P.E. (Principal Researcher, Kajima Technical Research Institute, KAJIMA Corporation)
• Toshiyuki TSUCHIYA(Professor Emeritus, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology／Chair of the Board, The Nature Conservation Society of Japan)
• Hiromitsu SAMEJIMA (Policy Researcher, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES))

Language

Japanese

Organizer

Japan Business Initiative for Biodiversity (JBIB) & Association for Business Innovation in harmony with Nature and Community (ABINC)

Details

JBIB and ABINC have supported biodiversity enhancement at more than 200 business sites through practical guidelines and the ABINC certification scheme. This session will reflect on the progress and achievements made to date, and explore how corporate green spaces can move beyond individual sites to strengthen ecological networks and contribute to nature-positive cities. Speakers will discuss the partnerships, evaluation methods, and practical challenges needed to advance the next stage of action.

Speakers

• Hiroko Urashima（MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc.Sustainability Dept.）
• Yosuke WATANABE（Shimizu Corporation Institute of Technology Senior Researcher）
• Satoko Oshida(Senior Researcher Tsukuba Research Institute Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd.)
• Yuki Isaka (SEKISUI HOUSE, LTD. Operating Officer/ Head of Environment Improving Department)
• Tsukino Ito (MITSUBISHI ESTATE CO., LTD.
  Urban Development Promotion Department
  Ecozzeria Association / Director)
• Mikako Awano（TNFD Market Engagemet Lead Japan）

Language

Japanese

Organizer

Rooting Our Own Tomorrows

Details

Communications about nature and wildlife—through television, advertising, corporate communications, education, products, and local initiatives—can shape public perceptions and actions. At the same time, they may create risks such as misunderstanding, overconsumption, animal welfare concerns, conservation impacts, or nature-washing. This session will share ROOTs’ research on media and biodiversity, introduce practices from media, corporate communication, and education, and discuss how trusted biodiversity communication can lead to responsible action and collaborative models.

Speakers

• Kanako Ake(Rooting Our Own Tomorrows ,Representative Director)
• Takatomi Shindo(TV TOKYO Corporation , Deputy Manager, Sales Department, Sales Division / Project Leader, TV TOKYO "Umimori" Project)
• Haruka Takagishi(CLASS EARTH Co., Ltd. , Representative Director)
• Yuka Sawai(Dentsu Inc. , Sustainability Consulting Office)

Language

Japanese

Organizer

Laboratory of Regional Environmental Policy, Azabu University

Details

The City Nature Challenge 2026 (CNC2026) was a global bioblitz held from April 24 to 27 in 754 cities across 61 countries, utilizing iNaturalist, an online social network for biodiversity information. In the “CNC2026 Central Kanagawa” organized by Azabu University, 193 citizens generated 3,511 observation records of 859 species. Of these, 2,132 records met research-grade standards and were incorporated into the occurrence database of GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility).
We look forward to sharing with you the insights and expertise gained through CNC2026.

Speakers

• Fumiyo MURAYAMA(Professor at Azabu University) ・Kota TANEDA(Fourth-year student at Azabu University,)
• Issei NAKAYA( Zero Carbon Promotion Division, City of Sagamihara)
• Koya AKIYAMA,(Director of Sagamihara City Museum)
• Akihiro ETO(Resident of Ebina City)
• Mizuki NAKAJIMA (Teacher, Zama Senior High School)

Language

Japanese

Organizer

Team Umi-tsunagi

Details

Youth members who grew up in regions living in harmony with nature, mainly in Kyushu, have each been building up activities and research in marine and coastal settings, and they will share the results of this work internationally together with their peers. "Kyushu University Umi-tsunagi" and "Team Umi-tsunagi" have worked on marine and coastal biodiversity conservation, marine litter countermeasures, regional revitalization, and more-together with high schools, universities, and environmental organizations centered in northern Kyushu (Fukuoka, Saga, and Nagasaki).
With the cooperation of the Japan Water Forum, they have also exchanged with organizations and researchers from Asia and Africa whom they met at the World Water Forum.

Speakers

Coming soon

Language

English

Organizer

Watershed Digital Twin 2026: “Envisioning an Ideal Ecosystem for Water and Business”

Details

Building the future from water is a growth strategy for the era of climate change. Water — the natural resource most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change — is also the foundation of ecosystem services supporting a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, industry, urban development, power generation, the environment, and disaster prevention. This event brings together businesses, government agencies, and financial institutions involved in basin water management. Through networking, it aims to advance basin partnerships that support "the creation of a nature-positive water environment," "the planning and management of sustainable water use," and "measures for resilient water disaster response."

Speakers

• Tetsu Hattori (Senior Manager, PwC Consulting LLC)
• Yoshihito Imai (Representative Director, TerraInsight Inc.)
• Takaya Tanaka (Director, Water Resources Planning Division, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism / Councilor, Secretariat of the Water Cycle Policy Headquarters, Cabinet Secretariat)
• TerraInsight Inc.
• IHI Corporation
• Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd.
• MS&AD InterRisk Research Institute & Consulting, Inc.
• Kurita Water Industries Ltd.

Language

Japanese

Organizer

ICLEI Japan

Details

Ahead of the mid-term review of the “Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework (GBF)” at COP17 on biodiversity approaching, local governments are expected to contribute to several of the 23 targets, particularly “Greening urban spaces and improving access (Target 12)” and “Developing plans at the local level (Target 14).” In this session, we will share experiences regarding the implementation and registrations of Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) by diverse stakeholders—including the national government, local governments, businesses, and NGOs. By discussing the expansion of conservation through collaboration, as well as challenges and success factors, we aim to further promote OECM and accelerate local efforts toward achieving the GBF targets.

Speakers

• Kensuke Kondo (Group Leader, Green Food System Strategy Group, Minister’s Secretariat, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)
• Atsushi Okada (Director for Natural Environment, Natural Environment Division, Environment Bureau, City of Kobe)
• Yohei Uchida (Director, Planning Division, General Affairs Department, Environment Bureau, City of Kawasaki)
• Togo Uchida (Executive Director, ICLEI Japan)

Language

Japanese

Organizer

International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)

Details

The concept of enriching forest biodiversity and livelihoods through circular bio-economies based on sustainably managed and used forest resources is gaining global traction in international trends. This concept is particularly significant for tropical forests and those who depend on them for their livelihoods. Accounting for 45% of global forests, tropical forests, terrestrial and coastal, host biodiverse ecosystems, contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation while enhancing livelihoods, reducing poverty (among other benefits). This event will showcase the value and future importance of these forests as a critical nature-positive initiative for life on earth.

Speakers

• Jennifer Conje (Director of Forest Management International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO))
• Eiji Tanimura (Deputy Director-General Forestry Agency of Japan, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)
• Ronald C Estoque (Senior Researcher Center for Biodiversity and Climate Change, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (FFPRI) )
• Shinichi Kawae (Director, Nature Conservation Department World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) Japan)
• Thorsten Arndt (Head of Advocacy Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) Intl)

Language

English

Organizer

Nature Positive Hub, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University

Details

Achieving nature-positive outcomes requires not only understanding nature’s condition, but also linking biodiversity data to restoration, business strategies, municipal policies, investment, and collaboration with local communities. This session introduces ANEMONE, a biodiversity monitoring network using environmental DNA, and ANEMONE.Biz, a co-creation platform for social implementation. Through these case studies, we will discuss how data on biodiversity and environmental change can support decision-making by companies, local governments, and regional stakeholders.

Speakers

• Kondoh Michio（Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University）
• Junko Nishikawa（Environment Management Bureau,Ministry of the Environment）

Language

Japanese

Organizer

Nagasaki University and the Future Earth Finance and Economics Knowledge-Action Network (KAN)

Details

This session explores how the value of natural capital, particularly blue carbon ecosystems, can be translated into investable assets to advance Nature Positive outcomes. It examines the role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), carbon credit mechanisms, and MRV systems in building investment credibility. Drawing on experiences from natural capital and biodiversity investments, the session discusses key investment drivers, market barriers, and ESG considerations, with the aim of identifying practical pathways to scale investment in nature-positive solutions.

Speakers

• Sunhee Suk (Nagasaki University / Finance and Economics KAN)
• Gregory N. Nishihara (Nagasaki University)
• Sophia Cheng (Hungchi Capital / Cathay Financial Holdings)
• Alexis R. Rocamora (LSEG – London Stock Exchange Group)

Language

English

Organizer

Ministry of the Environment, Japan

Details

To realise a nature positive economy, a transformation of global supply chains is required, particularly as Japan depends heavily on natural capital overseas. Addressing this is essential for resource and food security and for strengthening supply chain resilience.The Ministry of the Environment has decided to develop guidelines outlining key principles for nature positive practices (to be released in mid-July). This event introduces a framework for integrating these principles into procurement, featuring discussions among industry, government, and academia on practical implementation, risk assessment.

Speakers

• Masaru Horikami (Ministry of the Environment, Japan Director-General, Nature Conservation Bureau)
• Aya Nagata (Ministry of the Environment, Japan Director, Office for Mainstreaming Biodiversity)
• Takeshi Mizuguchi (Takasaki City University of Economics Professor/President Takeshi Mizuguchi)
• Hiroyoshi Niwa (Deloitte Tohmatsu LLC, Strategy & Transformation Partner Hiroyoshi Niwa)
• Junko Waseda (Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. Executive Officer, Senior Officer Sustainability development office)
• Taku Kato (Leader of Sustainability Promotion, Culture Transformation Department, Sompo Japan Insurance Inc.)
• Tommy Sekiguchi (Senior Project Manager, Food Business Unit, Mitsui & Co. / Visiting Researcher, Institute for Future Initiatives, the University of Tokyo)

Language

Japanese

Organizer

Japan Business Initiative for Biodiversity (JBIB) & Biodiversify

Details

This high-level panel discussion will explore how companies can position Nature Positive within business strategy and long-term corporate transformation. Bringing together senior perspectives from JBIB member companies and international businesses, the session will examine leadership priorities, strategic direction, and the role of management in moving from commitment to implementation.

Speakers

• Samuel Sinclair (Director, Biodiversify)
• Moderator:Naoki Adachi (Executive Director, Japan Business Initiative for Biodiversity (JBIB) )
• Kenji Takeuchi(General Manager, Water & Raw Ingredients Sustainability, Suntory Holdings)
• Tsubasa Tamura (Sustainable Business Section, Kanematsu Corporation)
• Yuko Iizuka (Executive Officer, Deputy Head of Corporate Division, Head of Sustainability Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd.)

Language

Japanese

Organizer

CDP Worldwide-Japan

Details

As nature loss becomes an increasingly material issue for corporate business continuity and market opportunities, companies are expected to understand their dependencies and impacts on nature and to address them by avoiding, reducing, and restoring harm, while also identifying and creating new business opportunities.
This session will present insights from an analysis of responses to the CDP 2025 questionnaire, aligned with the TNFD framework, and explore how leading companies are addressing nature-related challenges and embedding them into business strategy.
The session will feature speakers from WasteBox and Yachiyo Engineering, both CDP Accredited Solutions Providers involved in the response analysis, together with Sekisui House, which received a Triple A score in CDP 2025.

Speakers

• Emi Matsukawa (Japan Market Director, CDP Worldwide-Japan)
• Yuki Isaka (Operating Officers／Senior Director, Head of Environment Improving Department, SEKISUI HOUSE, LTD.)
• Shuichiro Suzuki (President, WasteBox, Inc.)
• Satoru Yoshihara (General Manager of Sustainability Services Department, Business Development Division, Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd.)

Language

Japanese

Organizer

Wild Bird Society of Japan

Details

This session introduces eBird, the world’s largest citizen science project and biodiversity database, and explores how its data can support the measurement and advancement of Nature-Positive action.
Managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, eBird has collected more than 2 billion bird observations worldwide through public participation. The Wild Bird Society of Japan launched eBird Japan in 2021 as a regional partner of eBird to promote bird monitoring, scientific research, and conservation through citizen science.

Speakers

• Seiji Hayama (Wild Bird Society of Japan/Director)
• Hironobu Tajiri (Wild Bird Society of Japan/Conservation Division/ Manager)
• Hiroko Okamoto (Wild Bird Society of Japan/Conservation Division)

Language

Japanese

Organizer

ICLEI Japan

Details

This session aims to promote information sharing and strengthen collaboration on the role of local governments in implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and their engagement in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Conference of the Parties (COP).
As local governments are gaining increasing global recognition as key actors in achieving the goals of the GBF, a wide range of initiatives have been undertaken through the COP process. This session will provide an opportunity to share experiences from previous COP meetings, discuss planned activities for COP17, and exchange views on how to further strengthen collaboration among local governments.

Speakers

• Aichi Prefecture
• City of Kobe
• And others

Language

Japanese

Organizer

WWF Japan

Details

The purpose of this session is to share practical approaches to the Nature Transition Plan (NTP), a concrete framework for enabling companies to transition their business activities toward becoming nature-positive. International experts will present global discussions and the latest developments surrounding NTP, while companies in Japan with experience in NTP will share their insights.
The session aims to provide guidance to help companies move from managing nature-related risks to transforming their business operations.

Speakers

• Candice Dott (TNFD Secretariat)
• Akihiro Inatsugi (Bridgestone Corporation)
• Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., )
• Nicolas Poolen (WWF International)
• Mutai Hashimoto (WWF Japan)

Language

English

Organizer

The Nature Conservation Society of Japan; Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University; Sustainable Business Laboratory, Department of Global Coexistence Studies, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University

Co-organizers

United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS); Conservation International Japan (CIJ); Akita International University

Details

Achieving Nature Positive requires taking into account the diversity of ecological, social and cultural conditions across regions, while focusing on the interlinkages between mountains, rivers, villages and the sea within landscapes and seascapes. From this perspective, landscape approaches have been promoted as long-term processes that facilitate dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders with diverse perspectives and values, while helping to reconcile different priorities, objectives and needs in the use and management of local resources. This side event will introduce practical examples of landscape approaches from Kurobe, Minamisanriku and Karatsu; a Japanese implementation model based on tripartite collaboration among NGOs, businesses and local governments; and an international partnership that supports knowledge sharing and collaborative action. It will also discuss the roles of different stakeholders in implementing Nature Positive through landscape approaches.

Speakers

• Ichiro Hama (United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS))
• Kazuki Harada (The Nature Conservation Society of Japan)
• Hirotsugu Odagiri (Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University)
• Akihiro Dazai (Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University/ Sustainability Center)
• Hirotaka Matsui (MITSUBISHI ESTATE CO., LTD.)
• Takuya Hasegawa (Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University / Fisherman Japan)
• Yoji Natori (Akita International University / Conservation International Japan)
• Maiko Nishi (Department of Global Coexistence Studies, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University)

Language

Japanese

Organizer

Taisho University Faculty of Informatics, Department of Green Digital Informatics／IUCN／IBAT

Details

A demonstration and training session on the IBAT platform, led by IUCN and IBAT (the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool). Participants will learn how to advance nature-positive efforts using existing tools such as the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration Metric (STAR) and the IUCN RHINO approach. This session takes a deep dive into world-leading tools and approaches, and also offers an opportunity for Q&A with the experts present in the room.

Speakers

• Naoya Furuta (Professor, Department of Green Digital Informatics, Taisho University)
• Martin Sneary (Director, Business and Nature, IUCN)
• Ed Ellis (IBAT Managing Director (acting), IBAT)
• Mark Leckie (Programme Officer, IBAT)

Language

English

Organizer

UMINEKO Sustainability Institute / The Nature Conservation Society of Japan

Details

Along Japan’s coasts, biodiversity decline is being accelerated by unprecedented environmental changes, including increasingly frequent marine heatwaves, threatening the sustainability of coastal businesses and communities. This workshop will share practical examples of coastal community revitalization based on the conservation of biodiversity-rich marine areas and ecosystem restoration. Participants will explore approaches for developing future visions with diverse stakeholders and consider how these can be applied across regions in Japan to advance nature-positive actions.

Speakers

• Makoto Kumei (UMINEKO Sustainability Institute)
• Masato Ohno(The Nature Conservation Society of Japan)
• Tatsuya Ishikawa (Owase City Office)
• Keiko Ito (WMI)
• Seishu Okuda (Ministry of the Environment, Japan)
• Satoko Seino (Kyushu University)

Language

Japanese

Organizer

Conservation International

Details

A multi-stakeholder dialogue exploring the emerging landscape of nature markets. Given Japan’s leadership on nature-related financial disclosures, we would like to explore what Japanese and broader Asian leadership in the next generation of global nature markets could look like. What can we learn from other market approaches? What is the demand side looking for when investing in nature? What should be the next steps? Join us for a panel discussion with leading Japanese corporations, the government and civil society, to deepen the conversation on alignment, shared challenges and pathways to realization.

Speakers

Panelists

• Aya Nagata (Director Office for Mainstreaming Biodiversity, Biodiversity Policy Division, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of the Environment, Japan)
• Tanit Changthavorn (Director General Biodiversity Based Economy Development Office (BEDO) Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Thailand)
• Manesh Lacoul (Global Coordinator Biodiversity Credit Alliance
• Shunsuke Managi (Representative Director aiESG Corporation)
• Tommy Sekiguchi (Senior Project Manager, Food Business Unit Mitsui & Co., Ltd.)
• Motosaburo Saito (Director, Oji Forest Value-Creation & Promotion Department OMO Corporate Marketing & Strategy Division, OJI Holdings Corporation)
• Caryl de la Serna Benjamin (Senior Researcher DNV (Det Norske Veritas) )

Facilitator

• Erika Korosi (Senior Director, Nature Markets Conservation International)

Language

English

Organizer

Kumamoto Water Positive, Design Center

Details

This panel discussion will focus on Kumamoto’s pioneering groundwater governance, aiming to balance economic growth and natural capital conservation amid increased water stress from climate change and the semiconductor industry. We will introduce Kumamoto’s new collaborative model involving local governments and public–private–academic–financial partnerships, highlighting initiatives such as standardized “rain gardens” and future groundwater recharge credit trading. The session will explore practical lessons learned and discuss challenges and potential for Kumamoto as a leading example of nature-positive management.

Speakers

• Samuel Sinclair (Biodiversify, Founder & Director)
• Yukihiro Shimatani (Specially Appointed Professor, Prefectural University of Kumamoto)
• Takashi Ohno (General Manager, Regional Development Department, Higo Bank, Ltd.)
• Harumichi Seta (Senior General Manager, Sustainability Management Division, Suntory Holdings Limited)
• Makoto Haraguchi (Fellow, MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc.)

Language

Japanese

Organizer

Aso Green Stock Foundation / Kumamoto Prefectural Government / Aso‑Kuju National Park Office, Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan

Details

The semi‑natural grasslands of Aso, sustained through long‑standing practices such as controlled burning, grazing, and mowing, provide essential ecosystem services that support tourism, livestock production, and groundwater for cities and industry. This session highlights the importance of satoyama‑type landscapes and introduces the collaborative governance among Kumamoto Prefecture, Minami‑Aso Village, and Aso Green Stock, which works with local residents and volunteers. It also presents a new funding mechanism—the Aso Grassland Guardians Fund—as a locally driven model contributing to GBF targets and long‑term landscape stewardship.

Speakers

• Jun Nishihiro (Deputy Director, Center for Climate Change Adaptation, National Institute for Environmental Studies)
• Hayayuki Tominaga (Director-General, Planning and Promotion Department, Kumamoto Prefectural Government)
• Yoshihiro Ota (Mayor, Minami-Aso Village)
• Taiki Masui (Executive Director, Aso Green Stock Foundation)

Language

Japanese