Circular Yokohama held a seminar: “Why Companies Should Embrace Nature Positive Practices: Building Cities in Harmony with Nature”

On November 28, Circular Yokohama, a platform promoting the circular economy in Yokohama and operated by Harch, held a seminar (in-person and online) titled “Why Companies Should Embrace Nature Positive Practices: Building Cities in Harmony with Nature.”

Circular Yokohama is one of the operating companies in the Yokohama SDGs Design Center, a regional intermediary organization aimed at achieving the SDGs by connecting diverse stakeholders and addressing local challenges. This seminar was part of that ongoing effort.

Promoting nature positive practices for businesses and urban development

As environmental challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss become increasingly evident, attention is growing toward “nature restoration,” a concept focused on halting and reversing the loss of natural ecosystems. In Japan, the Ministry of the Environment, along with other key governmental bodies, released a “Nature Positive Economic Transition Strategy” in March 2024. Companies are now expected to address how their operations contribute to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity.

In Yokohama, the concept of “Nature Positive” has been positioned as a core pillar of the sustainability strategy for The World Horticultural Exhibition YOKOHAMA 2027 (GREEN × EXPO 2027.) This highlights the importance of expanding local initiatives in the years to come.

However, opportunities to learn the fundamentals of Nature Positive and explore actionable practices remain limited. To bridge this gap, the Yokohama SDGs Design Center designed this seminar to provide clear insights into the basics and practical approaches to Nature Positive strategies.

The seminar invited three entrepreneurs actively working in biodiversity conservation and restoration projects within urban contexts. They shared advanced case studies and their experiences in fostering Nature Positive initiatives. Together with participants, we explored how businesses and communities can contribute to restoring nature and reviving biodiversity.

The event offered valuable insights for professionals involved in corporate sustainability strategies or environmental projects, helping them craft strategies and develop initiatives aligned with nature-positive business models. For individuals, students, and anyone interested in biodiversity, decarbonization, or environmental protection, the seminar provided an approachable and informative learning experience.

Yokohama SDGs Design Center: Past Event Snapshots

[Reference] seminar: “Why Companies Should Embrace Nature Positive Now – Building Cities in Harmony with Nature” held on 11/28 | Circular Yokohama (in Japanese)
[Related Site] Circular Yokohama