WWF and Seiko Epson advance their corporate partnership into a second phase with a 240 million yen commitment to global forest conservation
An international corporate partnership between WWF and Seiko Epson Corporation has entered its second phase with a new 240 million yen funding commitment. The three year agreement will support global forest conservation activities and advance a transition towards deforestation free supply chains.
The renewed collaboration builds on an initial funding phase that began in March 2023. The latest investment will direct resources toward WWF led forest protection programmes in Indonesia, Thailand and Brazil, where natural habitats face severe deforestation pressures. The initiatives aim to protect ecosystems, conserve biodiversity and mitigate climate change impacts by halting the loss of natural forests.
Alongside financial contributions, Epson have committed to minimising the environmental impact of their own operations. As a manufacturer of printers and paper using devices, the company plan to formalise their deforestation free supply chain commitments. This includes improving material traceability and engaging with global suppliers to meet the requirements of the Accountability Framework initiative. Epson were previously the first Asian business to join Forests Forward, a WWF programme promoting private sector action on forest management.
Chief Executive of WWF Japan, Sadayosi Tobai, said, ‘Our collaboration with Epson during Phase 1 served as an excellent example of how private companies can contribute to global forest conservation. In particular, their participation in Forests Forward, the first by an Asian company, demonstrated their leadership as a global enterprise. In Phase 2, we are confident that by paying closer attention to the multifaceted impacts that forest ecosystem conservation has on the environment, society, and the economy, we can jointly create value through our partnership to help regenerate the Earth.’
President and Chief Executive of Seiko Epson, Junkichi Yoshida, added, ‘We are deeply honoured to be moving our partnership with WWF into its second phase. The situation facing the world’s forests continues to be challenging, and we recognise the importance of continuing to address these challenges and taking action. Through our efforts to date, we have reaffirmed the vital role that forest conservation plays in addressing biodiversity and climate change.’