Corporate Responsibilities for Biodiversity: The Potential of "Environmental Transfer Technology" to Visualize Impacts on the Ocean (Part 2)

Inoka Corporation's "Environmental Transfer Technology" enables previously difficult marine research by recreating a near-natural ocean environment in tanks. Initiatives are now underway to support corporate biodiversity efforts using this technology. Dentsu Inc.'sSustainability Consulting Office interviewed Shiki Takeuchi, COO of Inoka, about the potential of their technology and the positioning of biodiversity issues within business.

In Part 2, we delve deeper into the importance and challenges of marine research in Japan, as well as Inoca's other core business pillar: education. The interviewer is Yuka Sawai from Dentsu Inc.'s Sustainability Consulting Office.

The marine sector is a valuable domain where Japan, as an island nation, can lead the world

Sawai: Could you share your perspective on why protecting marine biodiversity is so crucial?

Takeuchi: Compared to terrestrial organisms, there is still much we don't understand about marine ecosystems. In other words, it's a field that still holds infinite potential. For example, the proteins and compounds found in marine organisms vary by species, and it's said we can use these to create new drugs that benefit human healthcare. Or, we might be able to develop new materials with groundbreaking properties. I believe protecting biodiversity is crucial to preserving this natural capital with such significant potential for future generations.

Sawai: So, what challenges does Japan currently face in protecting marine biodiversity?

Takeuchi: The biggest challenge is that we lack a clear understanding of the current state of the ocean. In Japan, a phenomenon called "iso-yake" (seaweed die-off) is problematic, where areas previously covered in seaweed can no longer support its growth. To find solutions for such problems, we need to compare the current state of the sea without seaweed to how it was when seaweed was thriving. However, while we can measure the current sea, we lack data from when seaweed was present. This makes comparison impossible, and analysis is impossible. I believe that as our environmental transfer technology becomes more widespread and data on all aspects of the ocean accumulates, such comparative analysis will become much easier.

After all, Japan boasts the world's fourth-largest ocean volume, making it exceptionally rich in marine life and marine resources. Therefore, if things go well, I believe this is an area where Japan could take the lead in research, establish standards, and guide the world. Our company also aspires to eventually undertake efforts to recreate not only Japan's seas but the oceans of the entire world.

Educational initiatives that convey the wonders of nature as entertainment

Sawai: The oceans are significant not only for biodiversity but also for their connection to climate change and global warming issues, right?

Takeuchi: That's right. As mentioned in the first part, marine organisms' impact on absorbing CO2 is said to be at least twice that of terrestrial organisms. However, this hasn't been properly measured. On land, "carbon neutrality" – balancing greenhouse gas emissions and absorption based on forests' CO2 absorption – has been institutionalized and pursued by various companies and organizations. Yet, no such system exists for the oceans. In Japan, research is progressing on the CO2 output of eelgrass, but this field is still in its infancy. I believe we need to focus more resources on it going forward.

Sawai: Your discussion has clearly highlighted the importance of efforts to protect marine biodiversity. As a company supporting such initiatives, I always feel that no matter how excellent an effort is, it cannot be sustained without gaining public empathy. Therefore, engaging the public is crucial. In this sense, Inoka's educational initiatives, which have been a focus since its founding, are highly meaningful.

Takeuchi: Thank you. Our education initiative is based on the concept of "edutainment," blending education and entertainment. Traditional environmental education often felt geared toward the more environmentally conscious, and many programs weren't enjoyable for children. But nature itself is inherently fascinating. Therefore, our education initiative prioritizes conveying the inherent wonder of nature above all else. Building on that foundation, we incorporate elements of science education—like "discovering mysteries," "forming hypotheses," "testing them," and "presenting findings"—to cultivate the kind of talent needed for the future: people who can tackle open-ended challenges without clear-cut answers.

Sawai: Your "Coral Reef Lab" program, offered at commercial facilities, seems to be very popular with families.

Takeuchi: Yes. At the Coral Reef Lab, children become apprentice researchers at the "Secret Research Institute Inoka," aiming to become heroes protecting nature by completing missions. Within this world, staff members, including myself, appear as researchers. We let them touch coral, compare it to dead coral, and even smell it. Such vivid, hands-on experiences are hard to find elsewhere. The children's eyes sparkle, and their parents and guardians enjoy it alongside them. While our educational programs primarily target elementary school students, we've recently started collaborative research projects with junior high and high school students too.

Partnering with diverse companies to build a world where humans and nature coexist

Sawai: Simply saying something is good for the environment or good for the ocean doesn't resonate with many people as something personally relevant. Considering that, I realized the perspective of "first letting people enjoy nature" is incredibly important. When we assist client companies with biodiversity initiatives, the key is crafting a unique narrative for that company—establishing the context of why they must take action. I believe there are opportunities for Inoca and the Dentsu Group to collaborate on how to effectively communicate these corporate efforts to consumers.

Takeuchi: That's right. For companies to promote initiatives aimed at marine conservation, it may sometimes be necessary for consumers to purchase environmentally friendly products, even if they are somewhat more expensive. However, effectively communicating the value of such products can be quite challenging. The ocean is often distant and rarely comes to mind in daily life. That's precisely why we would like to ask companies like the Dentsu Group, experts in communicating with consumers, to help build public opinion and movements that spark greater interest in the ocean among more people.

Sawai: As mentioned earlier, biodiversity differs from climate change in that it's harder to quantify. In supporting client companies' initiatives, I've always believed field surveys are crucial to visualize the current state. Here too, leveraging Inoka's expertise to clarify the relationship between corporate activities and marine biodiversity, then rebuilding the connection between consumers and companies—that's what I hope we can achieve moving forward. Finally, please share your aspirations for Inoca's future.

Takeuchi: Inoka's vision is "Realizing a world where humans and nature can coexist for the next 100 years." However, I also feel that if we continue as we are now, it might take more than 100 years to truly achieve that vision. We must accumulate much more scientific knowledge, advance new research and development, and transform societal structures. Therefore, we seek many partners who share our vision and will work with us. Together with such partners, we aim to take on the challenge of building a society where humans and nature can coexist.

Marine biodiversity and marine resources are areas where Japan has the potential to lead the world. To advance initiatives in this field, we need the understanding and empathy of the general public. In this context, Inoka's educational initiatives play a significant role.

Furthermore, the Sustainability Consulting Office will continue to engage with individuals poised to become the next generation of opinion leaders in sustainability business. We will keep sharing information that can help companies rethink the relationship between their business and the natural environment.