Damon Embling, a reporter for Euronews, explores the efforts of Château Mercian Mariko vineyard and winery in central Japan in this edition of Green Japan. Located near Ueda, the vineyard was once a barren mulberry field but has been transformed into a thriving ecosystem that serves as a natural habitat for various insect species, including some that are endangered.
The business at Château Mercian Mariko adopts a circular approach by composting remains from grape pressing and converting pruned vine branches into biochar, a type of charcoal. This approach not only minimizes waste but also contributes to the overall sustainability of the vineyard and winery. The vineyard is owned by Kirin Holdings Company, one of the 80 early adopters in Japan of a global framework launched by the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). This framework encourages businesses to assess and report on their nature-related risks and impacts, ultimately aiming to drive capital towards more positive outcomes for nature.
An environmental specialist from Kirin emphasizes the importance of water and nature capital to the vineyard and winery business, in line with the TNFD commitment. In Tokyo, Damon speaks with a TNFD taskforce member who stresses the need for global companies to support others in exploring nature-positive practices. Additionally, a Tokyo professor highlights the importance of creating business opportunities that protect nature as a fundamental step towards transforming the global economic system.
Businesses around the world are increasingly under pressure to protect nature and promote sustainability. Japanese businesses are also rising to the challenge, supported by an international framework that aims to redirect financial resources towards more nature-positive outcomes.
In this edition of Green Japan, Euronews reporter Damon Embling explores the efforts of Château Mercian Mariko vineyard and winery in central Japan. The vineyard was once a deserted mulberry field but has been transformed into a thriving ecosystem that provides
