[International Day for Biological Diversity] St. Cousair Accelerates Forest Conservation at Certified 'Natural Symbiosis Site' with New AI Acoustic Analysis

St. Cousair Co., Ltd. (HQ: Iizuna, Nagano; President: Ryota Kuze), in alignment with the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, has announced its latest conservation activities at the 'St. Cousair Forest.' Embracing the theme 'Acting locally for global impact,' the company is accelerating its contribution to a nature-positive world.

Certification and Legacy The 'St. Cousair Forest,' covering approximately 160,000 sqm around the Shinano office, has been under scientific management since 2014 in partnership with Shinshu University's Forest Ecology Lab. With over 1,000 species identified, the area's ecological richness led to its official certification as a 'Natural Symbiosis Site' by the Japanese government in December 2025.

Innovative AI Acoustic Analysis In April 2026, the company began participating in a joint research project with the National Institute for Environmental Studies and the Nagano Environmental Conservation Research Institute. This marks the first instance in Nagano where a certified site uses AI to analyze acoustic data for biodiversity monitoring. IC recorders installed in the forest capture the sounds of birds, insects, and frogs, which are then processed by AI to visualize seasonal trends and species presence.

Employee-Led Initiatives A key characteristic of St. Cousair's approach is active employee participation: - **Nature Watching**: An annual event for employees and their families since 2016. The 11th session includes plant observation, insect collecting, and tasting wild herb salads. - **Forest Maintenance**: In April 2026, employee volunteers performed vine removal and stone clearing. This improves forest health and enhances regional safety by reducing hiding spots for wildlife like bears. - **Special Classroom**: Started in 2024, these sessions featuring guest experts help employees rediscover the value of nature even during the winter months.

Future Outlook Beyond its own forest, St. Cousair has sponsored the C.W. Nicol Afan Woodland Trust since 2019. The company remains committed to local collaboration and the construction of a society that coexists in harmony with nature for generations to come.