Preserving Biodiversity

The NTN Group has established a foundation for assessing the impact on biodiversity and implementing appropriate conservation measures. We used the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Biodiversity Risk Filter to evaluate the impact of our domestic and overseas production sites. As a result, we confirmed that there are indicators evaluated as ”very high risk” among Physical Risks (risks caused by changes in the natural environment, such as ecosystem degradation and species decline). Specifically, 24 business sites fall under ”pollution,” 1 business site falls under ”water availability.” On the other hand, regarding Reputational Risks (risks that activities that adversely affect biodiversity pose to corporate reputation), and there were no indicators evaluated as ”very high risk.”
Based on these evaluation results, we are implementing measures such as forest management, habitat conservation, air emissions/wastewater/waste management, and species protection, but many challenges still remain. Going forward, based on the clarified risk situation, we will formulate specific response plans according to anticipated risks and opportunities, and gradually strengthen our initiatives.

■Evaluation results of 11 physical risk indicators affected by Our group’s business activities (Number of sites)

The NTN Group regards biodiversity conservation as an important issue. We are working in cooperation with local residents and NPOs (Non-Profit Organizations) to achieve coexistence between the natural environment and local communities. Specifically, we conduct forest conservation activities such as thinning and planting trees. We are also working actively on activities to preserve biodiversity, including protecting endangered species in the vicinity of each business site, and maintaining natural parks. Through these activities, we contribute to local communities and environmental conservation.

Developing ”Kigyo no Mori” (Corporate forest) activities

The NTN Group is developing ”Kigyo no Mori” (Corporate Forest) activities in Japan with the aim of sustainable development of the environment and local communities. This activity is an initiative to promote environmental conservation and regional revitalization while cooperating with local communities. The main activities include tree planting, forest conservation, environmental education, and regional collaborative events. By planting many trees, we have achieved results such as improving biodiversity, revitalizing regional economies, and promoting environmental education. We will continue to expand tree-planting areas and introduce new technologies.

■“NTN Kigyo no Mori” Implementation status

Activity	Overview	Target region	Start date	Scale (hectares)
“Mori no Sato-Oya” Program (Adopt-a-forest)	Supporting Komagane City while collaborating on forest maintenance activities, including tree planting and forest underbrush clearing	Komagane City, Nagano Prefecture	April 2006～	21.9
“Nagomi no Mori” (Forest of Relaxation)	Participating in the “Kigyo no Mori” project promoted by Nishimuro Counrty, implementing forest maintenance including tree planting and forest underbrush clearing	Nishimuro Country, Wakayama Prefecture	January 2017～	0.45
“Shizuoka Mirai-no-mori Supporter” (Supporters of Shizuoka’s Future Forests)	Participating in the “Shizuoka Mirai-no-mori Supporter” (Supporters of Shizuoka’s Future Forests) program hosted by Shizuoka Prefecture, conducted activities such as forest underbrush clearing, wild bird preserve maintenance, and walking trail maintenance, etc.	Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture	April 2008～	15.0
“Kigyo to no Kyodo no Mori-zukuri” (Corporate-public forest planting)	Under the “NTN Kigyo no Mori” program and using land owned and loaned by Mimasaka City, conducted activities such as tree planting, forest maintenance, mushroom cultivation, and nature observation walks.	Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture	April 2008～	1.0
“NTN Komorebi no Mori” (A Forest of Dappled Sunlight)	Contributed to forest environment conservation by borrowing approximately 4.24ha owned by private landowners of Mt. Tado, a symbol of Kuwana, to plant mountain cherry and maple trees, conducting forest cultivation activities while also working on regional exchange and development	Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture	November 2010～	4.24

Protection of endangered species and Wildlife habitat conservation

The NTN Group is working to protect endangered species and wildlife and conserve habitats in cooperation with local communities and various organizations. We will continue to collaborate with diverse partners to protect regional ecosystems and contribute to environmental conservation.

Protection activities for the endangered Lycaeides argyrognomon Butterfly

At Nagano Works (Japan), we conduct protection activities for the endangered Lycaeides argyrognomom butterfly on our premises as part of our biodiversity conservation activities. The Lycaeides argyrognomom is designated as ”Endangered IB (EN)” on the Ministry of the Environment Red List, making its protection an urgent priority.
The highlight of this year’s activities is that the number of adult emergences reached 506 individuals. Starting with overwintering egg trials in 2019, there has been a significant increase over five years since the first Lycaeides argyrognomom were born within the Works in 2020. Under the guidance of experts, this has been highly evaluated as a rare successful example of transplantation.
Research by experts reports that the population and distribution of Lycaeides argyrognomom are currently showing a declining trend. Our future goal is to further establish the on-site protected area, increase the number of adult emergences, and create an environment where Lycaeides argyrognomom can naturally emerge without human intervention.
For this purpose, it is necessary to increase Indigofera pseudotinctoria (a leguminous shrub), which serves as food plant for the larvae. We continue activities to grow seedlings from Indigofera pseudotinctoria seeds every year and transplant them to the protected area. We will continue to work on ecosystem conservation in cooperation with local communities and experts.

■Lycaeides argyrognomom protected area adult emergence numbers (Nagano Works)

■Butterfly conditions in the On-site protected area (Nagano Works)

Mangrove planting activities in Thailand

NTN MANUFACTURING(THAILAND)CO., LTD. (NMT, Thailand) conducted a tree planting activity on September 28, 2024, at the Khao Khiao–Khao Chomphu Wildlife Sanctuary in Chonburi Province, Thailand, with participation from 153 employees and their families. During this activity, they planted 300 seedlings of Karanj and Yang trees and installed three salt licks as mineral sources for wildlife. They also collected garbage along the roads, contributing to regional environmental improvement.
Furthermore, NTPT CO., LTD. (NTPT, Thailand) conducted aquaculture expansion and mangrove protection activities on October 19, 2024, at the Chalomkhawithi Bridge in Bang Saen District, Chonburi Province, Thailand, with participation from 70 employees and their families. During this activity, they planted 300 mangroves and released 100 crabs. Mangroves not only contribute to carbon dioxide absorption and oxygen generation, but also play an important role in mitigating wave forces and preventing coastal erosion.
Additionally, participants created ”garbage collection devices” using recycled waste materials to collect garbage accumulated around residential areas in coastal regions. This device is attracting attention as a new initiative aimed at protecting regional ecosystems.
We will continue to work toward conserving regional biodiversity.

■Planting mangroves (NTPT)

Environmental contribution to local communities

As part of our environmental contribution to local communities, the NTN Group conducts cleaning activities, weeding, and tree planting for roads, rivers, coasts, and parks around our business sites, promoting environmental conservation activities through mutual cooperation with local communities. We will continue to make further efforts to strengthen cooperation with stakeholders such as neighboring residents and build good relationships through these activities.

Participation in the “Ishikawa Wagamachi(My town) Adoption” Program

NTN Shika Corporation (Japan) is actively engaged in regional environmental conservation and beautification activities. In particular, we participate in“Ishikawa Wagamachi(My town) Adoption” Program and contribute to maintaining the regional landscape.
Every month, we regularly conduct weed removal along a 100-meter section from the Works entrance along National Route 249, and in fiscal year 2024, we conducted a total of 6 activities from May to September. In addition, during summer, we regularly water planted flowering trees and cherry trees, supporting regional greening. Furthermore, we apply fertilizer at appropriate times before the flowering season to maintain plant health.
Through these activities, we are making significant contributions to regional landscape beautification, particularly through the planting and care of the Noto region’s flowering tree ”Noto Kirishima Azalea,” and cherry tree maintenance, providing beautiful landscapes for regional residents and visitors. These activities have also been highly recognized by the Governor of Ishikawa Prefecture, and we received a letter of appreciation.
We plan to continue our regional environmental conservation activities in fiscal year 2025. Specifically, we are planning regular weed removal, watering, and fertilizer application, and will strive for regional greening and beautification.

■”Noto-Kirishima Azaleas” planted in the 100-meter section at the works entrance (Shika Corporation)

Cleanup activities at Lake Michigan shoreline in the Americas region

NTK PRECISION AXLE Corporation (NTA, USA) is actively engaged in environmental conservation activities with the aim of coexisting with local communities. In particular, we participate in the annual Lake Michigan shoreline cleanup organized by the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago (JCCC), contributing to maintaining the aesthetic beauty of the region and environmental conservation. Our Group companies located in Illinois (NTN-USA, NBCA, ANBM, NTA) also participate in this activity, with employees and their families conducting litter collection and shoreline cleanup every September. In 2024, 14 employees and family members from NTA participated in this event. Through this activity, employee engagement has improved and cooperative relationships with local communities have been strengthened. We will continue to work closely with local communities going forward.

■Lake Michigan shoreline cleanup activities (NTA)