Achieved through Collaboration with the Nature Conservation Society of Japan
MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings adds Onshore Wind Power to Risk Assessment Criteria
A Key Step Towards Achieving Nature-Positive Outcomes

The Nature Conservation Society of Japan (NACS-J, Chairperson: Toshiyuki Tsuchiya) is dedicated to address societal challenges, such as mitigating the impacts of climate change and natural disasters while safeguarding biodiversity, by harnessing the power of nature and implementing Nature-based Solutions (NbS).

In September 2024, NACS-J entered into a “Nature-Positive Partnership Agreement” with MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings (MS&AD Holdings). Under this agreement, NACS-J will share scientific research and analysis—particularly related to onshore wind power project plans—with MS&AD Holdings.

MS&AD Holdings has announced an update to its group-wide sustainability policies. Specifically, the company has expanded its Environmental and Social Risk Assessment to include domestic solar power plants, onshore wind power plants, and biomass power plants. For these projects, MS&AD Holdings will “carefully evaluate environmental considerations and determine transaction feasibility while proposing solutions for any identified challenges.” In assessing biodiversity impacts, MS&AD Holdings will utilise NACS-J’s expertise and research on the natural environment and disaster-related risks, ensuring decisions are grounded in sound scientific processes.

Addressing climate change requires urgent, coordinated global action as it impacts ecosystems and societies worldwide. However, some renewable energy projects designed to combat climate change may pose risks to biodiversity, raising growing international concerns.

In Japan, onshore wind power projects have rapidly expanded in scale and number, often prompting concerns regarding biodiversity and local living environments. As “Nature Positive” becomes a key international goal for 2030, renewable energy projects that cause irreversible harm to biodiversity cannot truly be considered sustainable.

By integrating biodiversity considerations into its risk assessments, MS&AD Group—whose core businesses include insurance and investment—has taken a significant step toward achieving nature-positive outcomes. Moving forward, NACS-J will strengthen its collaboration with MS&AD Holdings, further promoting Nature-based Solutions to drive genuine progress toward a sustainable, nature-positive future.