Seiko Epson Corporation launched a three-year international partnership with WWF focusing on forest restoration and conservation around the world. This partnership is the first of its kind for a Japanese corporation in the electronics and precision instruments sector and builds on the existing relationship between the two organizations that started in March 2022 working on marine conservation in Southeast Asia. Based on a shared ambition to tackle common environmental concerns, the partnership will encompass three objectives: Addressing Epson's environmental footprint, Supporting WWF's forest restoration and conservation projects in seven countries in four regions, and Communicating about environmental issues.

To make this possible, Epson is planning a contribution of JPY 240 million (approximately EUR 1.6 million) over the next three years starting from March 2023 that will go towards WWF forestry projects. Through the partnership, Epson will be supporting forest conservation activities and nature recovery efforts implemented by WWF across several "Deforestation Fronts" and will aim to improve sustainability in their supply chain as a participant of WWF's Forests Forward program. To realise a nature-positive world together, the collaboration will also promote the responsible use of forest resources (paper) in business, as well as future considerations for the conservation of freshwater ecosystems and activities that contribute to a circular economy.

Details about Partnership Activities: Forest conservation projects implemented by WWF-Japan: WWF Japan is working to conserve forest ecosystems in areas of deforestation such as Southeast Asia and South America, shift to sustainable production of agricultural, forestry, and livestock products that are leading drivers of deforestation, and promote sustainable use in Japan, which is a significant consumer country. Deforestation Front: The causes, pace and magnitude of deforestation and forest degradation have changed over time. The way that different causes of deforestation link together and the effects they have on forests varies across regions.

Globally, a multitude of approaches have been implemented to halt deforestation and forest degradation. While progress has been made in halting forest loss and degradation, both continue at alarming rates. Forests Forward: WWF's Forests Forward program engages businesses, local communities, and other key stakeholders to change forest valuation, management, protection, and recovery methods to benefit nature, people, and the climate.

Circular Economy: In contrast to one-way businesses based on traditional methods of mass production and mass disposal, the circular socio-economic system recycles limited resources and continues to use them for as long as possible to eliminate waste. From the initial development stage, products and services are designed to greatly minimize the use and disposal of new resources.