Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (Kirin Holdings) and the Morikawa Laboratory of the Department of International Cooperation Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences at The University of Tokyo, launched a new joint research project in June 2025 aimed at assessing environmental impacts toward achieving Nature Positive outcomes. As part of this collaboration, an ecosystem survey was conducted at the Sri Lankan tea plantations—the subject of the joint research—from September and October 2025. The survey, carried out by a research team from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, a local research institution, confirmed the presence of endangered species^*1 and endemic species, verified biological diversity, and assessed the role of riparian areas.

 *1 Species facing the threat of extinction

 

 This survey employed an integrated approach combining drone-based 3D mapping technology with on-site field research. The fieldwork clarified the status of flora and fauna, including species identified as potentially threatened in the 2012 Sri Lanka National Red List ^*2 published in 2012. Furthermore, a comprehensive assessment of ecosystem health was conducted, covering land structure, water flow, and erosion risk. The specific assessment results are as follows.

 *2 https://www.cea.lk/web/images/pdf/redlist2012.pdf

 

 <Assessment Results>

 ■ Presence of Endangered Species
The research confirmed that, two species of flora and fauna listed as endangered, three species listed as vulnerable ^*3, and three species listed as near threatened^*4 in the 2012 Sri Lanka National Red List were still present in 2025, thirteen years later.

 ■ Biodiversity
A diverse range of 176 species (111 plant species, 65 animal species) inhabit the area.

 ■ Presence of Endemic Species^*5
Of the 65 recorded animal species, 12 are endemic. Among amphibians, 5 out of 6 species are endemic. Of the 111 plant species, 4 are endemic. It has been confirmed that endemic species have persisted over many years without being displaced by invasive species.

 ■ Role of Riparian Zone
Riparian zones, which form part of the tea plantation landscape, were found to have high water retention capacity. These areas not only maintain moist soil and vegetation conditions but also provide essential habitats for endangered species, thereby supporting the presence of endemic and endangered species.

*3 Vulnerable species: Species considered to be at high risk of extinction.

*4 Near threatened species: Species likely to become endangered in the near future.

*5 Endemic species: Species whose distribution is limited to a specific region. While they are highly susceptible to human impact, they play an important role in local ecosystems and are considered essential for maintaining ecological balance.

This collaborative research confirmed the presence of biodiversity within the tea plantation. In addition, it verified the existence of plant and animal species listed as vulnerable in the 2012 Sri Lanka National Red List, confirming the tea plantation as a crucial site for regional biodiversity conservation.

 The findings from this survey will be utilized in a pilot test, led by the Nature Positive Initiative (NPI)^*6(in which TNFD ^*7 also participates), towards the international standardization of ecosystem indicators measuring the 'State of Nature'. We plan to continue investigating the impacts that operating tea plantations have on surrounding ecosystems.

 Within nature-related disclosures, companies are anticipated to be required to measure and disclose the State of Nature not only within their own operational boundaries but also across their supply chains. While many companies face challenges in ensuring traceability and measurement to identify issues upstream in their supply chains, our ability to conduct such investigations upstream represents a globally rare case. We aim to leverage these insights to achieve Nature Positive outcomes across our entire supply chain, not just at production sites.

 *6 An organization founded by 27 of the world's largest conservation groups, research institutions, businesses, and financial alliances. Its purpose is to promote coordination on the definition, consistency, and use of the term 'nature positive' and to support broader, longer-term efforts to deliver results.

*7 Abbreviation for Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures. A framework for risk management disclosure enabling companies to report and act on risks and opportunities related to natural capital.

 

 ■The Kirin Group and Sri Lanka's Initiatives to Date

  The Kirin Group has undertaken various activities in Sri Lanka, the source of tea leaves used in Kirin Gogo-no-Kocha, since 2007. These include initiating book donations as part of educational support to help bring smiles to the faces of those working on plantations, their families, and children. In December 2024, in collaboration with the Rainforest Alliance (CEO: Santiago Gowland), the Kirin Group commenced operation of the "Regenerative Tea Scorecard" – a tool developed since October 2023 to facilitate the transition to regenerative agriculture^*8 to promote the transition to regenerative agriculture. This tool outlines methods to enhance soil health, conserve biodiversity within plantations, restore ecosystems, and improve the livelihoods of plantation workers. Furthermore, since 2022, we have been conducting human rights due diligence initiatives targeting tea plantations in Sri Lanka. Additionally, since June 2025, we have been conducting joint research with the Morikawa Laboratory to enhance the well-being of Sri Lankan tea plantation workers.

 The Kirin Group, utilizing nature's bounty as raw materials and harnessing nature's power and wisdom in its business activities, is proactively advancing various initiatives that deliver positive impact to both nature and people. This is to holistically address complex, interconnected environmental challenges (biological resources, water resources, packaging, climate change), and to connect with all stakeholders across the value chain in the shared aspiration to sustainably enjoy and pass on the Earth's abundant gifts for generations to come.

 *8 An approach aiming to conserve and restore the environment through agricultural activities

 

 For Reference
Kirin Group Environmental Vision 2050
Kirin Group Environmental Report 2025

 

 ■ Past Initiatives by the Morikawa Laboratory, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences at The University of Tokyo, and Sri Lanka

 The research group of Lecturer Sō Morikawa at the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo commenced research in 2010 on the local impacts of infrastructure projects such as motorways in Sri Lanka. Over the subsequent 15 years, they have advanced research on Sri Lankan society and communities in collaboration with local research institutions. In Sri Lanka, alongside the fragility of its economic foundations, the country experienced a fiscal crisis in 2022. Consequently, active participation from stakeholders beyond the resource-constrained government is increasingly expected to address societal challenges. Our research group, specializing in the formulation and 

implementation of public policy in developing countries, has a research interest in the contributions of Japanese companies to local economies and societies. We share the research question driving this collaboration – examining the details of the Kirin Group's CSV activities and their outcomes – and are therefore participating in this joint research. Through this research, we aim to utilize and accumulate academic insights regarding the measurement of well-being in emerging economies and approaches to environmental conservation led by Japanese and local companies.

 The Graduate School of Frontier Sciences at the University of Tokyo was newly established in 1998 as a graduate school offering only master's and doctoral programs, with the fundamental principle of conducting education and research through "interdisciplinary integration". Through interdisciplinary integration, it seeks to create new academic fields, respond to the demands and changes of contemporary society, and boldly tackle the challenges facing humanity. Its educational and research objectives are to cultivate internationally minded individuals with cross-disciplinary perspectives and advanced problem-solving abilities, thereby actively contributing to the realization of a better society.

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