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Close Up on Environmental Activities

Biodiversity is all about protecting the earth's rich ecosystem. In the context of environmental activities, it is every bit as important as preventing global warming.

The 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP10) took place in Nagoya in 2010 and marked the beginning of a range of activities aimed at preserving biodiversity, in both the public and private sectors.

With this in mind, here at the Kobe Steel Group we have consolidated activities previously carried out under the banner of environmental management and drawn up our own set of biodiversity guidelines.

We are determined to contribute to biodiversity through our business activities and by working in partnership with local communities.

This section outlines some of the Kobe Steel Group's efforts to preserve the rich diversity of life.

Certification as One of "100 Corporate Greenspaces Helping to Preserve Biodiversity"

The Biotope at Nadahama Science Square

Nadahama Science Square, Kobe Steel's community exchange facility, has been certified as one of "100 Corporate Greenspaces Helping to Preserve Biodiversity," a nationwide scheme organized by the Urban Green Space Development Foundation to coincide with COP10.

In addition to creating a biotope within the grounds of Nadahama Science Square and making every effort to preserve biodiversity, we also work in partnership with NPOs and outside experts to organize regular wildlife watching and other events for local children. Despite the biotope's exposed location on an area of reclaimed land on the seafront, we have successfully recreated a living environment that is home to a number of rare species. The biotope has also been recognized for its role as an environmental classroom for local children. We will continue to do everything we can here at Kobe Steel to protect our biotope.

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Tours enable children to experience a diverse range of wildlife
Children experiencing a diverse range of wildlife

Using Steel Byproducts to Help Sustain Seaweed and Fish

Developing New Artificial Reefs Using Steel Slag

In an effort to use steel slag, one of the byproducts from the steelmaking process, to help restore and protect the environment, Kobe Steel has fabricated complex steel artificial reefs for seaweed and fish in the waters around the Ieshima Islands (off the coast of Himeji, Hyogo prefecture), the north embankment of Kobe Airport and Yonabaru in Okinawa prefecture in conjunction with Shinko Slag Co., Ltd., Shinko Kenzai Co., Ltd. and Kobelco Research Institute, Inc. We have also started to conduct research aimed at nurturing seaweed and improving fishing grounds, as part of a public-private sector project.

Iron, minerals and other nutrients contained within steel slag are thought to have restorative effects on marine environments, in terms of helping seaweed to flourish.

The reefs are already covered with seaweed and are attracting migrating fish as the gradual process of restoration gets underway.

A steel artificial reef for seaweed and fish
A steel artificial reef for seaweed and fish


An artificial reef off the coast of Himeji (Hyogo prefecture), after three months (left) and six months (right)
An artificial reef off the coast of Himeji (Hyogo prefecture), after three months (left) and six months (right)

Keeping People Safe and Protecting River Ecosystems

Building Grid-type Sabo Dams

Kobe Steel's sabo dams are positioned along rivers at risk from mudslides all over the country, effectively trapping mud and debris in order to keep people safe. In recent years, grid-type sabo dams have also been thrust into the spotlight for their environmental credentials and their ability to harmonize with the natural environment.

As grid-type sabo dams don't prevent the flow of water down the river, harmless sediment is usually washed downstream, where it helps prevent coastal erosion and damage to the riverbed. The fact that dams allow fish and other creatures to pass through freely means that they are also effective in terms of preserving aquatic ecosystems. Here at Kobe Steel, we are currently working to develop larger scale grid-type sabo dams so that they can be brought into even wider use.

A grid-type sabo dam on the Ikazawa River (Niigata)
A grid-type sabo dam on the Ikazawa River (Niigata)

Working to Protect Biodiversity Based on our Own Set of Guidelines

Kobelco Biodiversity Guidelines
The Kobe Steel Group recognizes the importance of preserving biodiversity and will carry out activities accordingly based on the following guidelines.

1. We will make every effort to minimize the impact that our business activities have on biodiversity on an ongoing basis.
2. We will actively develop products, technologies and services that contribute to biodiversity.
3. We will disclose details of our biodiversity initiatives and share information with the public.
4. We will carry out biodiversity activities in partnership with local communities.
5. We will ensure that of our employees actively take biodiversity into consideration at all times.