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Working towards a Nature Positive future: six new methods to assess biodiversity

2024.7.8

Aligned with global initiatives of GBF and TNFD

Collaborative achievement of Minakami Town, Nature Conservation Society of Japan and Mitsubishi Estate

Minakami Town in Gunma Prefecture, the Nature Conservation Society of Japan (NACS-J), and Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. signed a partnership agreement on 27 February 2023 as a step towards realising a Nature Positive future.

We are pleased to announce that we have developed six methods to objectively and quantitatively measure biodiversity as part of our efforts in advancing and applying quantitative evaluations of biodiversity conservation and the multi-faceted functions of nature.

In the pursuit of a Nature Positive future, the objective evaluation of biodiversity remains a key challenge that has been continuously discussed worldwide. International organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) call for such evaluations as one of the ten principles outlined in the “Nature Positive for business” framework and the “Measuring Nature Positive” approach.

The six methods we are proposing closely align with global trends, such as the initiatives of IUCN and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). As a result, these methods can be used to objectively evaluate how biodiversity conservation efforts contribute to international targets such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) as well as goals set by local governments. Businesses can also use these methods to evaluate and disclose the dependency/impact, risk/opportunity and indicator/target of their projects on the surrounding environment, as recommended by TNFD.

The methods proposed this time are mainly for assessing the current status of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Going forward, we hope to develop methods to also objectively evaluate the recovery of biodiversity as a result of conservation activities.

Details of the 6 methods and summary of assessment results in Minakami Town

1. Evaluation of key areas

Through dialogue with experts and study of existing literature, locations important for biodiversity conservation in the region are assessed from the perspectives of rarity, urgency, complementarity, and connectedness. For example, one can evaluate whether a company’s project site or conservation site is important for biodiversity. Identifying key areas is also required as an initial step in the LEAP approach recommended by TNFD.

[Results]
In Minakami Town, 67 areas were identified as key areas for biodiversity conservation.

2. Prediction of species distribution

Species (plants, birds, insects) that may inhabit the region are statistically predicted and assessed using nationwide species distribution data based on national environmental surveys and topographical, climate, and land use data. For example, this enables a quantitative evaluation of the status of the environment of a company’s project site or conservation site.

[Results]
It was found that 99.7% of the major species in Minakami Town are likely to be distributed within the identified key areas.

3. Analysis of gaps in key areas

Risks such as development in key areas for biodiversity are evaluated based on the existence of conservation safeguard measures. For example, when companies register sites as a Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Site (Ministry of Environment) to contribute to the 30by30 target (conserving at least 30% of land and sea by 2030, as set out in the GBF), this analysis enables effective selection of sites.

[Results]
Among the key biodiversity areas in Minakami Town, lowland satoyama areas have a lower proportion of land with appropriate conservation safeguard measures. At the same time, it was determined that these areas face a higher risk of development, making the gaps in the system clear.

4. Groundwater recharge and carbon sequestration

Among the ecosystem services provided, groundwater recharge and carbon sequestration were estimated and assessed on a 100m grid basis using data on land use, vegetation types, and climatic conditions*. Groundwater recharge refers to the annual volume of rainfall that infiltrates soil and becomes groundwater. Carbon sequestration refers to the annual amount of CO₂ captured by aboveground vegetation. This method can be used to evaluate the current groundwater recharge and carbon sequestration capacity of a company’s project or conservation site, and this information can also be applied in contexts such as climate change and disaster risk reduction.

[Results]
The groundwater recharge and carbon sequestration capacity of Minakami Town were successfully quantified.

*Groundwater recharge and carbon sequestration amounts were calculated based on the Japan’s Assessment of land use based on Disaster Risks and Ecosystem Services (J-ADRES) developed by the Eco-DRR Project of the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN).

5. Analysis and classification of ecosystem type

The region’s ecosystems were classified into a number of types, such as “wetlands” or “secondary forests,” to assess the diversity of them. The results can be used in supporting more effective biodiversity conservation activities at company’s project or conservation sites. The TNFD also requires companies to assess the impact of their activities on nature by ecosystem type.

[Results]
When Minakami Town was classified by ecosystem type, it was found that “natural forests” account for 51.5% of the area, a rate that is significant even when considered on a national level.

6. Degree of alignment with the IUCN Global Standard for NbS

Biodiversity conservation activities are evaluated against the IUCN Global Standard for NbS (Nature-based Solutions) to determine whether they also contribute to solving local social issues such as climate change, natural disasters, and human health. Globally, efforts to simultaneously conserve biodiversity and address social challenges using solutions based on nature are emphasized as key to achieving a nature-positive society. This evaluation enables companies to improve their biodiversity conservation activities from an NbS perspective.

[Results]
The current level of alignment of biodiversity conservation activities being implemented under the partnership agreement was 30/100 points (partial alignment), and areas for improvement were identified.

The detailed results of the evaluation conducted in FY2023 in Minakami Town using the above assessment methods can be found on the NACS-J website at the following link:

Evaluation Results and Biodiversity Conservation Activities Conducted in Minakami Town (Japanese only)

These six evaluation methods can be applied not only to activities in Minakami Town but also to biodiversity conservation initiatives across Japan.

Furthermore, this initiative has been developed in collaboration with leading experts in both the natural and social sciences in Japan to ensure both the scientific soundness and the reflection of Japan’s unique biodiversity.

Acknowledgements

This initiative was developed through close collaboration with leading experts in the field:

  • Minoru Ishii (Professor Emeritus, Osaka Prefecture University)
  • Toshiyuki Tsuchiya (Professor Emeritus, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology)
  • Toru Nakashizuka (Professor Emeritus, Tohoku University)
  • Jun Nishihiro (Deputy Director, Center for Climate Change Adaptation, National Institute for Environmental Studies)

We also extend our appreciation to Biome Inc., the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, the National Institute for Environmental Studies, and the Gunma Prefecture Society for Natural Environment Research for their generous cooperation and support.

*Nature Positive:
“Nature Positive” refers to halting and reversing biodiversity loss to restore nature for the benefit of both people and the planet. At COP15, the international community committed to achieving a Nature Positive society by 2030, establishing global goals to guide collective action toward that vision.

*Partnership Agreement between Minakami Town, the Nature Conservation Society of Japan (NACS-J), and Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.
On 27 February 2023, Minakami Town, NACS-J, and Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. signed a 10-year partnership agreement to promote the realization of a Nature Positive society. The three parties are advancing the following five key initiatives:

  1. Conversion of degraded artificial forests into natural forests (approximately 80 hectares)
  2. Conservation and restoration of satoyama landscapes rich in biodiversity
  3. Low-density management of sika deer populations
  4. Implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS)
  5. Quantitative evaluation and application of biodiversity conservation efforts and the multiple functions of nature

Press release (in Japanese):
https://www.mec.co.jp/news/detail/2023/03/01_mec230301_minakami

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