Chubu Centrair International Airport Implements Tree-Planting Initiative 'Centrair and Inabe City SDGs Forest'

Participants called out to each other, "Let's do our best!"

Chubu Centrair International Airport Co., Ltd. (Location: Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture; President: Hironori Kagohashi), as part of its SDGs activities contributing to the future of the rich seas of Ise Bay, partnered with Inabe City, Mie Prefecture, in the upper reaches of the Inabe River to create the "Centrair and Inabe City SDGs Forest" through tree planting.

The connection between Centrair and Inabe City dates back to the creation of the airport island about 25 years ago. Earth and sand from Mt. Fujiwara in Inabe City were used for part of the landfill for the airport island. Furthermore, much of the cement, a raw material for concrete used in the construction of runways and passenger terminal buildings, was also produced at Mt. Fujiwara (Fujiwara Mine). Against the background of this connection, this initiative served as an opportunity to once again deepen ties with the region that has supported Centrair's establishment.

Centrair's tree-planting activities are based on the keyword "Creating the sea by starting with creating mountains." This is the fifth iteration, following continuous implementations in Kiso Town, Nagano Prefecture (upper Kiso River) in FY2022; Ono Town, Gifu Prefecture (upper Ibi River) in FY2023; Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture (upper Nagara River) in FY2024; and Gero City, Gifu Prefecture (upper Hida River, Kiso River system) in FY2025.

The venue for the fifth event, the plum grove park in the upper reaches of the Inabe River, is one of the largest plum grove parks in the Tokai region (approx. 38 ha), visited by approximately 80,000 people during the blooming season. On the day, about 60 parents and children living in Inabe City and about 100 new employees of the Centrair Group participated and planted about 90 weeping plum saplings.

This was the first time that all new employees of the Centrair Group participated in a tree-planting activity together. Through the activity, they learned about their connection to the region and the significance of cooperating with colleagues to contribute to society as part of their training.

Starfish removed from Ise Bay were hung on the planted plum saplings as a countermeasure against wildlife damage. Starfish, which have been considered pests in the sea, play a new role in the forest, supporting the growth of young trees and being utilized as a resource cycle connecting the sea and the mountains. Such an initiative truly embodies the SDGs philosophy.

A commemorative signboard was also installed at the tree-planting site, expressing the hope of passing on the intent and thoughts of the initiative to the next generation.

After the tree-planting activity, Centrair Group employees visited a restored tidal flat (Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture) spreading out in the estuary of the Inabe River as part of their environmental learning. They learned about the importance of tidal flats and biodiversity. While looking at Centrair, located about 18 km to the south, they experienced the connection between the river, the sea, and Centrair floating in Ise Bay. Furthermore, they received explanations from Mr. Mizutani, head of the Akasuka Fisheries Cooperative, which operates fisheries around the tidal flat, about the relationship between rivers and the sea, the role of tidal flats, and biodiversity, providing an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the importance of marine environment conservation and realize its significance anew.

Chubu Centrair International Airport Co., Ltd. will continue to work in cooperation with local residents toward the construction of a circular society and the realization of a sustainable society (SDGs).