Kirin Holdings Company (Kirin Holdings) has successfully applied for Château Mercian Jonohira Vineyard, located in Yamanashi Prefecture and owned by Mercian Corporation, to be recognized as a Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Site by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment. This prestigious recognition was officially granted on February 27, marking a significant achievement in the vineyard’s sustainability journey.
This is the second vineyard under the Kirin Group to receive such recognition, following the certification of Château Mercian Mariko Vineyard in Nagano Prefecture in October 2023. The certification reflects Kirin Holdings’ ongoing efforts to integrate biodiversity conservation into its business operations, aligning with global sustainability goals and contributing to the protection of natural ecosystems.
Japan’s 30by30 Initiative and Sustainable Site Certification
The Ministry of the Environment Japan established the Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites program in 2023 as part of the country’s commitment to achieving the 30by30 target. This global conservation goal was adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, held in December 2022. The initiative aims to ensure that at least 30% of land and marine areas worldwide are designated as protected or conserved by 2030.
Under this certification system, areas with high biodiversity that are owned and managed by private entities or local governments are officially recognized for their contributions to environmental conservation. Once certified, these sites are also registered in the international database of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), further solidifying their importance in global sustainability efforts.
The certification of Château Mercian Jonohira Vineyard underscores its role in promoting biodiversity and sustainable land management. The vineyard has become a model for balancing agricultural production with environmental conservation, demonstrating how business operations can coexist with and even enhance natural ecosystems.
Biodiversity Conservation at Château Mercian Jonohira Vineyard
The journey toward certification for Château Mercian Jonohira Vineyard has been years in the making, involving extensive research and ecological assessments. The Kirin Group, in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Organization, initiated joint research in 2014 to study the vineyard’s ecological characteristics and biodiversity. The findings from this research played a crucial role in the application for the Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites designation.
One of the key environmental features of the Jonohira Vineyard is its ‘secondary nature’—a term referring to ecosystems that exist and thrive due to human intervention. Grasslands are a prime example of secondary nature, requiring ongoing management to maintain their ecological balance. Originally, the Jonohira Vineyard functioned as a trellised tourist farm. However, in 1984, it was converted into a hedged vineyard, a transformation that has allowed native species and rare grassland ecosystems to recover and flourish.
Through careful and sustainable management practices, the vineyard has restored and nurtured a diverse range of plant and animal life, contributing to a healthier ecosystem. The vineyard’s ability to produce high-quality agricultural products while simultaneously supporting biodiversity exemplifies the concept of ‘Nature Positive’—a business approach that actively restores and enhances nature rather than depleting it.
The Role of Sustainable Agriculture in Conservation
The certification of Château Mercian Jonohira Vineyard as a Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Site highlights the increasing recognition of sustainable agricultural practices as a crucial component of conservation efforts. Unlike many conservation sites that are strictly protected from human activities, vineyards like Jonohira and Mariko illustrate how agriculture can be integrated into conservation strategies.
By maintaining and improving native biodiversity, these vineyards contribute to broader environmental goals, including soil health, water retention, and carbon sequestration. The approach taken by the Kirin Group sets a precedent for other agricultural businesses seeking to balance profitability with environmental responsibility.
Additionally, the certification brings attention to the importance of traditional and modern farming methods that prioritize ecosystem health. The Jonohira Vineyard’s transition from a tourist farm to a sustainable vineyard serves as a case study in how land-use changes, when managed thoughtfully, can enhance biodiversity rather than diminish it.
A Future-Oriented Approach to Sustainable Winemaking
Château Mercian, Japan’s oldest winery with a history dating back to 1877, has been at the forefront of innovation in winemaking. As part of Mercian Corporation, it has embraced sustainability as a core principle, focusing on environmental stewardship alongside viticulture excellence. The certification of Jonohira Vineyard reinforces Château Mercian’s commitment to sustainable wine production and demonstrates how the wine industry can contribute to conservation goals.
As climate change continues to impact agricultural landscapes worldwide, vineyards must adapt to new challenges, including changing weather patterns, soil degradation, and shifting biodiversity dynamics. Château Mercian Jonohira Vineyard’s recognition as a Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Site highlights how proactive and responsible vineyard management can mitigate these challenges while contributing positively to the environment.
Moving forward, the Kirin Group aims to expand its sustainability initiatives across other vineyards and agricultural sites, ensuring that biodiversity conservation remains a key component of its business strategy. By leveraging scientific research, innovative land management practices, and partnerships with environmental organizations, the company is setting new standards for sustainable viticulture in Japan and beyond.
