GS Yuasa Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange: 6674; “GS Yuasa”) is pleased to announce that its Japanese garden "Ryokuto-en," owned by GS Yuasa, has been certified as a "Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites" by Ministry of the Environment, Japan.
A "Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites" is a system established by the national government (Ministry of the Environment, Japan) to certify areas where biodiversity conservation is being achieved through private sector initiatives. Certified areas are registered in an international database and contribute to the realization of Nature Positive1*1 and the achievement of the 30by30 target*2.

"Ryokuto-en" is a historic Japanese garden located in GS Yuasa Kyoto headquaters, landscaping of which was completed in 1943, around the same time as the plant's establishment. It has been utilized as a place to welcome guests and a recreational space for employees.

Biological surveys have confirmed that many species of flora and fauna, including some classified as near-threatened, inhabit the garden, and a healthy ecosystem centered on native species is maintained. Furthermore, its continuous contribution to preserving the traditional culture of the Aoi Matsuri*3 through cultivating futaba-aoi within its premises and dedicating them to Kamigamo Shrine, as well as its connectivity and continuity with the local ecosystem, were highly evaluated, leading to this certification.

Going forward, we will further promote environmental improvements for the protection of native species within "Ryokuto-en" and, by advancing biodiversity conservation, strive to realize our corporate philosophy: "We are committed to people, society, and the global environment through the “Innovation and Growth” of our employees and business entities."

*1 Stopping and reversing the loss of biodiversity.
*2 An international goal to conserve more than 30% of land and sea as healthy ecosystems by 2030. In Japan, the 30by30 target is positioned as one of the goals for achieving Nature Positive by 2030.
*3 An annual festival held at Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto City, and one of Kyoto's three great festivals. Futaba-aoi is used as decoration for shrine buildings and costumes.