Toyota afforestation site in japan certified 'superlative'
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) received the highest-level certification from the Social and Environmental Green Evaluation System (SEGES)* for its Forest of Toyota, Toyota Foresta Hills Model Forest here, which is a site for showcasing TMC's afforestation activities and hands-on programs conducted as a part of the company's social contribution activities. This is the first time a Superlative Stage certification has been issued since the system was launched in 2005.
The Forest of Toyota, Toyota Foresta Hills Model Forest was created in October 1997 in a neglected hilly area used for small-scale agriculture and forestry (satoyama in Japanese) located in the outskirts of Toyota City. The area is aimed at facilitating the sharing of environmental-preservation expertise through restoration, and is divided into three zones: Zone A for forestry, Zone B for conservation and Zone C for utilization. To enhance awareness of such areas in the region and the various initiatives being implemented to achieve harmonious coexistence with nature, since 1998 TMC has been monitoring the environment in the area and conducting an environmental education program called Eco-no-Mori Seminars.
SEGES* is one of the systems used to evaluate and certify the degree of social and environmental contribution made by activities on the part of corporations and other entities to preserve and create greenspace, and the system works as part of the Third Basic Environment Plan, the National Biodiversity Strategy of Japan 2010 and the Guidelines for Private Sector Engagement in Biodiversity, which determine the major outlines of government environmental policy. Applications are evaluated on a five-level grading system, with Superlative Stage only certified after six consecutive years of Excellent Stage 3 certification, the second highest level.
TMC is committed to continuing a broad range of environmental preservation activities that support sustainable development of Earth and society, including the Forest of Toyota, afforestation activities in China and the Philippines, and the acquisition of forestland in Mie Prefecture in Japan for restoration and creation of model forests.
Overview of the Forest of Toyota, Toyota Foresta Hills Model Forest
| Location | Ipponmatsu, Iwakura-cho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture (within the Foresta Hills) |
| Area | 45 hectares (including 15 hectares for Model Forest) |
| Established | October 1997 |
| Programs | Afforestation activities and hands-on programs modeling restoration of neglected hilly areas used for small-scale agriculture and forestry (satoyama in Japanese) |
| Open hours | 09:00 — 16:30 (closed Sundays and during extended TMC holidays in late April/early May, summer, and at New Year's) |
| Website | http://www.toyota-global.com/sustainability/corporate_citizenship/environment/forest_of_toyota.html |