Japan Ministry of Environment launches nature-positive supply chain initiative

Japan’s Ministry of the Environment opened applications for its FY2026 Model Project for Nature-Positive Practices in Procurement ealier this month. It seeks to assist Japanese companies and their supply chain partners in moving towards nature-positive procurement strategies that enhance corporate resilience and mitigate risks associated with natural capital loss.

The project builds on the Guidelines for Nature-Positive Practices in Procurement published by the ministry on 14 July. Depletion of natural capital presents mounting risks to enterprise management, leading to raw material cost increases and procurement disruptions. The guidelines provide a practical framework covering policy formulation, supply chain risk management, supplier engagement, and stakeholder communication.

Selected corporate partnerships will receive tailored consulting and advisory support through February 2027. Corporate lead applicants must form consortia comprising upstream, midstream, or downstream suppliers, industry associations, or non-governmental organisations. The ministry’s secretariat will conduct gap analyses against the basic principles outlined in the guidelines and assist in devising targeted action plans. While administrative consulting is provided free of charge, operational costs are borne by the participating companies.

Interested corporate entities must register for an explanatory briefing scheduled for 24 August 2026 or view its recorded session, which serves as a prerequisite for application. The deadline for submitting application forms is 24 September.