Social Responsibility

Not long ago, the number of red-crowned cranes^* indigenous to Japan plummeted due to the deterioration of their native habitat. The bird was, for a time, on the verge of extinction. However, thanks to the establishment of the Tsurui Ito Red-Crowned Crane Sanctuary in 1987 by the Wild Bird Society of Japan, and to the protection activities undertaken by local residents and concerned organizations, the number of cranes has increased to more than 1,000. Konica Minolta has been a supporter of the crane-protection activities since the establishment of the sanctuary. As part of this effort, Konica Minolta co-sponsors the Konica Minolta Japanese Red-Crowned Crane Charity Photo Contests.

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The red-crowned crane is a large bird with a white body and a patch of red on the crown of its head. Its habitat extends from eastern Eurasia to Hokkaido in Japan.

Konica Minolta sponsored an Environmental Photo Contest designed to help foster a love of nature by showing the planet as it appears now, through photographs. We invited people to submit photos based on the theme of “ color and light,” using the concept that beautiful light and color are a reflection of a beautiful Earth.

Konica Minolta is a participant and a partner in a variety of forest protection initiatives. One of these is the Takao Forest Society. Focusing on the natural vegetation in the national forest located in Uratakao, in the western part of Tokyo Metropolis, the society aims, by thinning the trees, planting more, clearing undergrowth and so on, to re-create a lush forest where coniferous trees mingle with broad-leaved varieties. Konica Minolta is a corporate member of the society, and the employees take part in its activities, working up a sweat for the cause of fostering better forests.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions France, a business information systems sales company, has been participating in Activities to Help All People Interact with Nature since 2007, which are activities sponsored by the National Forests Office in France. Thus far, the company has provided support for the creation of walking trails in various parts of France that provide access for wheelchair users along beaches and through forests. Konica Minolta offers universally designed products, which are intended to ensure that anyone regardless of handicap can use the products easily. The support activities follow the spirit of universal design.
In fiscal 2009, the company will co-sponsor nature and wildlife-watching events, as well as seminars on environmental issues, which will be held in Rambouillet Forest about 60 km southwest of Paris. Guests are invited to attend these events and contribute to the festive activities.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions Denmark a/s, a business information systems sales company, provided support to the Aalborg Zoo and the Esbjerg Fisheries and Maritime Museum. These popular tourist attractions are known for their various activities for raising awareness, understanding and respecting nature while conserving the Earth's rich wildlife.