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Cooperation with Local Communities

In respect to environmental concerns, the Kobe Steel Group also strives to work in cooperation and harmony with society.

The Group continuously carries out initiatives for biodiversity and contributes to local communities.

Initiatives for Biodiversity

On-Site Initiatives

Avenue of cherry tree in front of Chofu Works

Avenue of cherry trees in front
of Chofu Works

By creating green spaces and biotopes, the Kobe Steel Group works to create fertile environments. For instance, the national highways in front of Chofu Works, Kobe Special Tube Co., Ltd., Shinko Fab Tech, Ltd., and Shinko Kanmon Sohgo Service, Ltd. are planted with approximately 200 cherry trees cared for by the companies. The result of many years of greening activities, these trees are beloved by local residents.

Forest Development

Since the autumn of 2011, the Kobe Steel Group has been caring for the forests in two locations within Hyogo Prefecture.

The wild countryside forest (approx. 2ha) found within Greenpia Miki (in Miki City) is known as KOBELCO Forest. The Kobe Steel Group works hand-in-hand, with special support from the Federation of Kobe Steel Workers Unions, to care for this forest.

In addition to forest development, KOBELCO Green Forest also serves as a location for new employee training, providing opportunities for learning about both environmental conservation and safety.

Additionally, the 0.6ha area peak of Aburakobushi in the Rokko mountain range (Nada district, Kobe) is known as ECOWAY Green Forest, and forest maintenance is carried out twice a year in spring and autumn.

A total of over 600 hardworking members participate in caring for these two forests each year.

Activities at KOBELCO Green Forest

Activities at KOBELCO Green Forest

Activities at ECOWAY Green Forest

Activities at ECOWAY Green
Forest

Contributions to Local Communities

Environmental Education Outreach to Children's Centers

Demonstration of hand generator

Demonstration of hand generator

Children playing eco card game

Children playing eco card game

As part of local environmental contributions, Kobe Steel participates in planning for the Kobe Children's Eco Challenge 21 Club, sponsored by Kobe City. The purpose of this organization is to let children, who carry the future on their shoulders, to have fun, move and play as they learn about the importance of the environment. As part of the club, since fiscal 2011 Kobe Steel has been engaged in Environmental Education Outreach to Children's Centers.

As part of the outreach program, in order to give children a sense of the importance of the environment and electricity, and the convenience of steel in our lives, we hold magic shows, quiz games, eco card games, and other fun activities.

In fiscal 2012 the outreach program was carried out at four locations in Kobe City -- Iwaoka Children's Center (Nishi district), Oike Children's Center (Kita district), Otogi Children's Center (Tarumi district) and Suganodai Children's Center (Suma district) -- with approximately 150 children participating.

We plan to continue supporting environmental education in the future through this outreach program.

A Menu of Learning Fun for the Children

Michiko Nakamura

Michiko Nakamura, Director,
Kobe City Oike Children's
Center

We frequently hold both large and small events at the children's center, but there is a limit to how much the staff can accomplish by themselves. It is very difficult to take any trips outside the center grounds. I can't tell you how grateful I am for an outreach program such as this, which brings a specialized and fun program directly to the kids. The program included a great menu of fun activities, and the children's eyes lit up with joy as they learned about the environment. We staff members also enjoyed getting to see another side of the kids.