The Yasu Office is in Shiga Prefecture, where Lake Biwa, also known as the "mother" lake, is located. Until the end of September 2021, the plant manufactured semiconductors and MEMS, with the wastewater discharged into a river after purification for environmental concerns. Using this wastewater effectively, we created a biotope^*1 in 2011 to protect and propagate the striped bitterling^*2 fish, which is listed as a critically endangered species by the Ministry of the Environment. This project also contributed to environmental education for children through nature observation tours at nearby childcare centers and elementary schools. As a result of these efforts, the company received the highest certification, a three-star rating, under the Shiga Biodiversity Initiative Certification Program. This is a certification system in which Shiga Prefecture evaluates biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.

In October 2021, the semiconductor and MEMS businesses were transferred to another company, as was the biotope site, preventing the use of the biotope to address biodiversity as we have in the past.
Nevertheless, we will continue to pursue activities focused on the Biodiversity Biwako Network (BBN), a program in which we have participated since fiscal 2018.

BBN is a joint effort by seven companies based in Shiga Prefecture to survey, conserve, and communicate information about the 100 dragonfly species said to exist in the prefecture. Dragonflies which have a deep relationship with water and are used in this program as a common indicator organism. In fiscal 2021, we held a dragonfly observation and specimen-preserving workshop for local children. We also co-hosted a month-long exhibition with the Lake Biwa Museum, providing an opportunity to inform many people about our past efforts.

These activities were recognized by outside parties, and won the grand prize in the education and dissemination category of the Nature Conservation Society of Japan Awards 2021.

One unique activity of the Yasu Office is a focus on the conservation of a rare species of dragonfly, Sympetrum kunckeli (Red Dragonfly). The Yasu Office is committed to increasing the number of mature individuals by releasing eggs into containers and conducting ongoing surveys on the status of dragonfly arrivals. The Yasu River forest is one of the habitats of the Sympetrum kunckeli. Here, OMRON employees are participating in social contribution activities as representatives of the Yasu Office, coordinating with the local community to improve the breeding environment of the dragonflies and create new habitats.

The Yasu Office will continue to protect and encourage the proliferation of rare species through biodiversity initiatives, expanding the circle of environmental conservation in cooperation with local communities and other entities.

• *1 Biotope
  "Biotope" is an English word derived from the German "biotop," which in turn was derived from the Greek "bios" (life) and "topos" (place). The word means a living place for a specific assemblage of plants and animals. Recently, the term "biotope" is also used as a generic term to collectively describe forests, rivers, marshes, swamps, grassland, woods, etc. as ecosystems. In Japan, the term is often used to describe an artificially created simulation of a natural habitat for a particular species. (Source: Nikkei Ecology’ s Seibutsu Tayosei Dokuhon (Guide to Biodiversity)).
• *2 The striped bitterling (Acheilognathus cyanostigma)
  A species of freshwater cyprinid fish that once inhibited the Lake Biwa and Yodo River water systems in large populations. Due to the growth of non-native species and river development projects, this fish is no longer seen in Lake Biwa. It is designated as one of the most endangered class IA species in the Ministry of the Environment’ s Red List. Its name was derived from a long blue green stripe on the sides of its body.