• Aim to procure natural rubber, palm oil, timber and paper products that have zero connection to deforestation.
• Increase the ratio of sustainable certified palm oil procurement, including RSPO-certified, to 100% by 2030.

• Maintain and manage Mitsui's Forests that have been designated as Biodiversity Conservation Forests (approximately 10% of our company-owned forests), and other specified areas, by carrying out regular ecosystem monitoring with an awareness of the need to conserve biodiversity.
• Contribute to reforestation and the protection of endangered species by providing support through the Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund for activities and research linked to the conservation and use of ecoservices and procurement that enables ecosystems and humans to coexist.
• Contribute to the creation of national and international frameworks for biodiversity conservation through our proactive participation in social initiatives to conserve biodiversity, such as the TNFD Forum and the 30by30 Alliance.

The Sustainability Committee works under the Corporate Management Committee to plan, formulate and provide proposals on basic management policies, business activities, and corporate policies and strategies related to biodiversity.
The Sustainability Committee is structured so that its activities are appropriately supervised by the Board of Directors, and matters discussed by the Sustainability Committee are regularly discussed and reported to the Corporate Management Committee and the Board of Directors.

Officer in Charge	Makoto Sato (Representative Director, Senior Executive Managing Officer, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Chairperson of the Sustainability Committee)
Administrative Office	Corporate Sustainability Div., Corporate Planning & Strategy Div.

Please refer to the links below for more information on Mitsui's Sustainability Management Framework and the activities of the Sustainability Committee.

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• Our Approach to Sustainability: Sustainability Governance and Oversight
• Our Approach to Sustainability: Sustainability Committee

Areas of Mitsui's Forests that have a high significance from a biodiversity perspective (about 10% of the total area) have been designated as Biodiversity Conservation Forests and these have been classified into various categories to facilitate management that conserves biodiversity. Each forestry office monitors local ecosystems by setting up core surveying plots in three different locations in accordance with the size of the forest and its situation in regard to habitats of rare species. Surveys are carried out once per year (or once every five years for accumulation surveys) and include land surface surveys (vegetation, rare species), surveys of forest conditions (plant species, number of trees, animal damage, etc.), and accumulation surveys (diameters at chest height, tree height, amount of growth). In June 2019 at Tashiro Forest in Fukushima Prefecture, which has been designated as a special conservation forest, we carried out a patrol as part of a festival wishing for a safe mountaineering season. This provided information that deer populations in the high moors near the top of the mountain are growing, so we will continue monitoring this trend for any impact on ecosystems. If a rare species is discovered, particularly rare vegetation, we take steps such as marking the relevant area and ensuring it is excluded from forestry operations. Also, we recognize the possibility that forestry operations can have an environmental impact on a broad area around the forest so when carrying out forestry operations at Mitsui's Forests, such as regeneration felling, thinning, and establishing roads, we always carry out a site survey beforehand based on a checklist of over 20 items, including soil conditions, surface vegetation, forest conditions, and the situation regarding the surrounding area. We then revise the forestry operation plan based on the results of this survey and if necessary, change or cancel the plan. Within three months of carrying out work, we make sure to carry out a follow-up survey to confirm that the forestry operations were carried out properly with the aim of minimizing environmental impact and conserving biodiversity.

In conducting business, we have put in place a group-wide system for ensuring that utmost consideration is given to the environment and society in projects at all stages, including at the launch of a new business, during operations, and even during the exit stage. For investment projects considered to be high risk in regard to biodiversity (such as food, underground resource development, and infrastructure development projects), we carry out ESG risk assessments that put a particular focus on biodiversity and then implement improvement plans if necessary.

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Environmental Management: Environmental Management System

ESG Risk Management

We support various activities and research initiatives that contribute to solving global environmental issues with the aim of realizing a sustainable society in which the economy and environment are in harmony. Since 2005, we have supported a wide range of projects that contribute to solutions to worldwide environmental issues and the building of a sustainable society through the Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund. For more details about the fund, please use the following link.

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Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund: About the Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund

We are promoting and expanding our efforts to address biodiversity through participation in initiatives. Participation in each initiative is decided after confirming that it is consistent with our basic policy and initiatives for biodiversity.

TNFD Forum (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures)

The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) was launched in June 2021 by the United Nations (UNEPFI/ UNDP) and other international NGOs. It calls for companies to disclose both their impact and dependence on nature in accordance with a framework similar to that of the TCFD. Many companies, public institutions, and financial institutions, mainly in Europe and the U.S., have expressed their support for the TNFD and are working to establish international standards for the disclosure of information on natural capital.
The TNFD Forum is positioned as a group of stakeholders who support the TNFD discussions. As a member company of the TNFD Forum, we contribute to the conservation of biodiversity through participation in discussions on the establishment of the TNFD framework.

30by30 Alliance

30by30 is an international target related to natural capital that aims to conserve or protect 30% of the world's land and sea areas by 2030, and is positioned as one of the key measures in the post-Aichi targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The 30by30 Alliance is an initiative by private companies, local governments, and organizations, with the Ministry of the Environment serving as the secretariat and the Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation and other organizations as the proposers (organizers). Mitsui joined the 30by30 Alliance in March 2022, and will continue to contribute to biodiversity conservation through participation in discussions on system design and other matters.

RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil)

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is a non-profit organization established to promote the sustainable production and utilization of palm oil through the conservation of tropical rain forests and biodiversity. Palm oil production has been linked to the destruction of tropical forests through the development of oil palm plantations, as well as human rights issues. As a business that handles palm oil, Mitsui agrees with the RSPO's philosophy of contributing to sustainability through industry. Since joining the organization as an ordinary member in 2008, we have been collaborating on business-based sustainable procurement initiatives that take into account the conservation of tropical forests and biodiversity, respect for the rights of indigenous and local peoples, and other considerations. A sustainability-focused procurement code, including specific standards for palm oil, has been formulated for the 2021 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo. In connection with this, Mitsui representatives as members of an oil and fat industry association verified progress on and promoted initiatives related to the RSPO and activities under the Malaysia Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) and Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) systems.

Forest Stewardship Council^® (FSC^®)

The Forest Stewardship Council^® (FSC^®) is an international non-profit organization that promotes management of the world's forests in a way that is environmentally appropriate, economically viable, and socially beneficial, including with regard to respect for human rights. Mitsui has obtained FSC^® forest management (FM) certification (FSC^®-C057355) at all 74 of its forests, which in total approximately 44,000 hectares, while Mitsui Bussan Forest Co., Ltd., a Mitsui subsidiary, has obtained Chain of Custody (CoC) certification for the processing and distribution of cut lumber (FSC^®-C031328). As one of the top private-sector suppliers in terms of volume of FSC^®-certified Japanese-grown lumber, Mitsui is helping to promote FSC^® in Japan and to discuss and draft the Japanese version of principles, standards, and risk assessments. Mitsui has obtained FSC^® certification for its forest resources business as well, and promotes responsible management of forest resources.

Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation

In 1992, under the Keidanren Global Environment Charter, Mitsui joined Keidanren's Committee on Nature Conservation, which supports biodiversity conservation and engages in the protection of the natural environment in developing countries and Japan. Since 2012, a Mitsui employee has been seconded to support the nature conservation activities of NGOs through the Keidanren's Nature Conservation Fund, as well as to promote exchange between corporations and NGOs, and raise awareness among corporations of nature conservation and biodiversity. We support the Keidanren's Declaration of Biodiversity and its accompanying Action Policy. We also participated and cooperated in the Keidanren Initiative for Biodiversity Conservation and the Business for GBF Project in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment. We will further promote initiatives for biodiversity and nature conservation under the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, a new international goal expected to be adopted at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 15).

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• Keidanren Initiative for Biodiversity Conservation
• Business for GBF Project

CDP（Forests）

Since 2016, we have responded to the questionnaire on timber from CDP Forests, a global disclosure program for corporate information related to forest risks. Based on our response to the questionnaire carried out in 2022, we received the score "B" in relation to Forests (timber).

Conserving the Prey Lang Forest in Cambodia (REDD+*)

Tropical lowland evergreen forest in Prey Lang
©JEREMY HOLDEN

Prey Lang, located in the northeast of Cambodia along the west bank of the Mekong River, is the largest tropical lowland evergreen forest in Indochina. It is inhabited by many wild animals, including endangered species, and is also an important source of water for Cambodia. However, illegal logging, along with reclamation of land for farming by local communities, has resulted in progressive deforestation, loss of wildlife habitats, and an increase in GHG emissions that would normally be accumulated in the forests. In partnership with Conservation International, an international NGO, Mitsui has been using the REDD+ mechanism established under the Paris Agreement in cooperation with the Cambodian Ministry of Environment to reinforce forest patrols to prevent illegal logging in the Prey Lang Forest. Moreover, Mitsui has been engaging in dialogue with local communities to provide support for activities, such as instruction for and promotion of organic farming and rice farming as alternative sources of livelihood that do not rely on logging, with the aim of contributing to forest and biodiversity conservation.

* REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation, and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries): A scheme which provides economic incentives such as carbon credits through the mitigation of deforestation and degradation of forests in developing countries.

Collaborating with Local Governments

Project to Restore Endangered Sumatran Tiger Populations in Indonesia

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBS National Park) is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia and it is an important natural habitat for several endangered large mammals, including Sumatran rhinoceroses, Sumatran elephants, and Sumatran tigers. However, many encounters and collisions between residents and Sumatran tigers have been reported and this threat to the livelihoods and safety of residents has led to the killing of tigers, which has become a factor in declining tiger populations. Through a Mitsui & Co. Environment Fund project, we subsidized activities by the World Wide Fund for Nature Japan (WWF Japan) to carry out habitat surveys and camera trap investigations in collaboration with the local government, the national park authorities, and residents of five local villages in order to decrease damage from encounters (all damage, including damage to tigers, damage to people, and damage to agriculture and livestock). The results of these surveys provided information about Sumatran tiger habitats, and has been used as the basis for land usage planning that supports the formation of a community in which local residents and tigers can coexist, while also contributing to a recovery in the tiger population. Currently we are working with the provincial and local governments on activities for monitoring the implementation of land usage plans.

Objective	Details of the initiative
Land-based aquaculture	The amount of salmonids being consumed globally is growing year on year and it has become one of the three biggest markets for sea surface farmed fish. However, this has also resulted in issues such as deterioration in water quality due to uneaten feed and excrement and the increased risk of diseases and other occurrences accompanying this, along with the loss of biodiversity due to the significant environmental impact of chemicals to counter disease and parasites. In light of this situation, we have partnered with FRD Japan Co., which possesses advanced biofiltration technologies, to create the world's first land-based aquaculture system which cultivates trout by recirculating virtually 100% artificial seawater created from tap water. This land-based trout farming business is minimizing impact on ocean environments and realizing the sustainable production of marine products.
Hydroelectric Power Plant Business	The Madeira River is a tributary of the Amazon River and forms part of the Amazon Basin, a region that is known for its rich biodiversity. Located on the Madeira River in northern Brazil, the Jirau Hydroelectric Power Plant has been closely watched by many parties, including local communities and NGOs, because of its location, and every possible step is being taken to ensure that the plant is operated in an environmentally responsible way. As part of an environmental program, we conducted preliminary surveys to identify every possible impact that could affect the local environment and local communities. We then built hospitals, schools, and new housing to improve the local living environment. Other initiatives include measures to protect flora and fauna, such as fish and mammals.
Forest Resource Business	Along with business partners, Mitsui is carrying out afforestation business in Australia and Chile (the combined project area is approximately 9,000 hectares as of March 31, 2022), with the aim of ensuring the stable supply of wood chips, the raw material for paper. The business has acquired international forest certification from organizations such as FSC®, and manages forest resources responsibly. We also carry out measures in consideration of biodiversity protection.
Production and Sale of Rice	Toho Bussan, a subsidiary, supports the production and sale of rice using farming methods that encourage biodiversity and can be maintained with continuous rice production, such as the minimal use of agrichemicals and chemical fertilizers.
Shipping Business	To prevent negative effects on the ecosystem by marine creatures in ballast water, we actively promote initiatives including installment of ballast water treatment equipment on vessels.
Production and Sale of Solar Marine Salt	Shark Bay Salt Pty, a Mitsui subsidiary, owns a solar marine salt field in Shark Bay, Western Australia. It produces and sells some of the world's purest salt while actively working to improve the local ecosystems of Shark Bay, an internationally renowned World Heritage site. With a dedication to maintaining harmony with nature, the company continuously monitors the terrestrial environment and mangrove ecosystem of both the salt field and the surrounding maritime environment, ensuring its operations have no impact on the local ecosystem of the dugong – a species considered highly vulnerable to extinction – and other marine fauna unique to the area. As a result of these efforts, the stability of local wildlife populations has improved. Shark Bay Salt Pty also supports ongoing research activities of dolphins and their ecosystem in the Shark Bay area.

At Salmones Multiexport S. A., a Chilean salmon farming, processing and sales company in which we have invested, we are showing consideration to biodiversity by periodically checking cage conditions to prevent damage to local marine ecosystems caused by fish escaping through damaged marine aquaculture nets. As a result, there has not been a single escape in the last few years. We have also installed predator nets in order to protect the fishes and the facility from potential sea lion attacks. Furthermore, we are carrying out feeding activities that fully take into account local ecosystems by introducing a remote-controlled automatic feeding system. This system monitors feeding from below the sea surface using cameras to ensure optimum feeding amounts. We also make efforts to minimize feed waste that is lost or accumulated in the seabed.

We have invested in Climate Friendly Pty Ltd ("Climate Friendly"), a company that generates and sells carbon credits through the regeneration of native vegetation on farms in Australia. Climate Friendly is involved in GHG reduction projects through native forest restoration (land use) in Australia.

Climate Friendly is one of the largest carbon farming project services-providers in Australia. It had already achieved 20 million tons of GHG reduction by 2020, and is aiming to achieve a 100 million ton cumulative GHG reduction by 2025. The projects supported by Climate Friendly to restore and regenerate native forests are expected to play an important role in achieving the Australian government's GHG reduction target, by absorbing and sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere, and also improving soil quality and preserving ecosystems and biodiversity.

The Australian Government has invested a total of A$4.55 billion into an Emissions Reduction Fund to promote the creation of carbon credits, and has been actively purchasing credits from the private sector since 2015. Demand for emission reduction credits from the private sector has been growing, and is expected to continue to grow steadily. Australia is one of the most important countries for Mitsui business, and we will proactively work to reduce the GHG footprint of our group companies.

In an age where environmental pollution, food safety and social acceptance have become such major societal issues, regulations on agrochemicals and genetic modification technologies have been tightened, mainly in Europe, because of their potential impact on the human body and on ecosystems, and this has spawned significant demand for safer agricultural methods. Recognizing the potential of biological pesticides as a solution to this issue, we acquired a biopesticide business in the U.S. and established Certis USA (now Certis Biologicals, hereafter "Certis Bio") in 2001. Biopesticides utilize the abilities of microorganisms, natural enemies, parasites, etc., to combat insect pests and weeds, transforming them into agents that can be applied easily and effectively. They can be used to create an environment in which it is difficult for insect pests and weeds to thrive, and restrict their growth so that they do not cause economically significant damage.
Although Certis Bio produces only biopesticides, we do not believe that agrochemicals should be reduced to zero. As biological pesticides have little impact on organisms other than those they are targeted to protect against, they make it possible to realize pest prevention while also reducing the harm caused to humans and domestic animals, the environment, and biodiversity. However, they do have disadvantages; they are relatively slow-acting, and it can be difficult to decide the best time to apply. Agrochemicals can compensate for these deficiencies because they are often quick-acting and easier to use. On the other hand, excessive use of agrochemicals can reduce the biodiversity of the microorganisms in the soil, creating an environment which is more conducive to the growth of pathogenic bacteria and insect pests. Biopesticides can play an important role in improving the soil environment, protecting plants' roots and enhancing the productivity of the soil. Therefore, it is important to recognize Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which is the skillful use of both biological and chemical pesticides, and Certis Bio and its consultants and product distributors are encouraged to explain how to combine biological and chemical pesticides and how to use biopesticide products effectively. We also provide training to help farmers learn how to adopt IPM smoothly. By promoting IPM, we contribute to the development of a highly productive and sustainable agricultural system.

We have acquired international forest certification for Mitsui's forests and the company that manages them. Forest certification comprises forest management certification, which is third-party certification awarded to forests that are being managed appropriately, and chain of custody (CoC) certification, which certifies that timber from certified forests is being handled appropriately all the way through to finished products. Mitsui Bussan Forest Co., Ltd., which manages Mitsui's Forests, engages in sustainable forest management through the formulation and implementation of management plans based on international standards. Logs and other products from these forests are also handled by Mitsui Bussan Forest, which has acquired CoC certification, creating a chain of forest certification. Mitsui Bussan Forest uses a unique "zoning" management method in which areas are divided into categories based on various characteristics, such as topography and tree species, and then managed according to these categories. Categories include "Harvest-oriented Sustainable Forests," "Naturally Regenerated Forests," and "Biodiversity Conservation Forests" and each type of forest is managed appropriately based on a management policy for each category. "Biodiversity Conservation Forests" in particular have been identified as forests with high biodiversity value, so they are divided into the four categories of "Special Conservation Forests," "Water and Soil Conservation Forests," "Environmental Conservation Forests," and "Cultural Conservation Forests" and management and forestry operations are carried out in a manner that fully takes into account their biodiversity.

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Mitsui's Forests: Initiatives for Biodiversity