To contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, harmonious coexistence with local communities, and community activities
Mazda has supported the Keihin Afforestation Project*1 promoted by Yokohama City. In June 2009, Mazda R&D Center Yokohama (MRY) transplanted indigenous wild water plants to create a biotope based in a pond on the premises. By creating habitats for aquatic life including dragonflies, MRY strives to restore natural environments and increase the amount of greenery. MRY has also been participating in a collaborative project implemented by corporations, citizens, local governments, specialists and students, entitled "How Far Does a Dragonfly Fly?" Since 2004, MRY has been conducting surveys of dragonflies, tracking the conditions of their arrival.
- *1In Yokohama City, the Keihin Afforestation Project has been carried out since 2005. This project regards the green spaces on corporate properties and the facilities open to the public in the Keihin district (Tokyo-Yokohama) as important regional assets, and aims to increase and utilize these assets so as to pass them on to future generations, through joint efforts by corporations, citizens, and local governments.
* After the survey, the caught dragonflies are released.
- In August, MRY cooperated in conducting a one-month study of dragonfly flight patterns (by catching dragonflies and tracking their species, conditions of arrival, and travel between survey points).
- In October, an eco-tour was held to observe company green spaces located in the Keihin waterfront area. The tour participants also visited the biotope on the premises of MRY. Through such a tour, MRY helped promote people's awareness of greenery.
To communicate the joy of automobiles to children in orphanages and deepen our interaction with them
As part of our social contribution activities, Mazda employee volunteers, jointly with Mazda vehicle owners, participate in projects designed for children residing in child welfare institutions primarily in Yokohama and Kawasaki cities. One of these projects is "Let's Feel the Joy of a Convertible!" which has been held since 2007 to convey the excitement of cars and driving to these children. Also, together with Mazda vehicle owners, Mazda employees have annually participated in the "Santa Project." This project was launched at Mazda's initiative in 2003 and is now organized jointly by companies and organizations primarily in Kanagawa Prefecture.
- The "Let's Feel the Joy of a Convertible! 2011" project held in November featured such activities as riding in a Roadster with the top down, and playing games that are fun for all ages.
- In the "Santa Project" held in December, all participating volunteers dressed in Santa Claus and reindeer costumes were split into "driving Santa" and "visiting Santa" teams, with Mazda Roadster and Demio vehicles decked out with Christmas decorations. The driving Santas took passengers from the Yokohama City Foster Parents Association on a drive around Minato Mirai 21. The visiting Santas paid visits to four orphanages in Yokohama City, where they handed presents to children and sang Christmas songs with them, deepening our mutual interaction.
To help Mazda vehicle owners conduct voluntary social contribution activities, by offering MRY as a venue
Mazda has provided MRY as the venue for the Roadster Charity Flea Markets held under the auspices of participating Mazda vehicle owners and the Company. Mazda presents a booth staffed by volunteer employees.
The FY March 2012 events were held in April and October. At the Mazda booth, volunteer employees sold daily articles and Mazda merchandise gathered with the help of employees, as well as okonomiyaki, a popular savory pancake in Hiroshima. (A portion of the proceeds from the flea market was donated to the Japan Red Cross society for the relief fund for areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.)
To enhance the disaster preparedness of neighboring communities by providing support for periodic disaster drills
In November 2008, MRY concluded a disaster prevention agreement*2 with the Kanagawa Ward Office and residents' associations in neighborhood self-governing bodies. In March 2009, MRY joined the Kanagawa Ward Waterfront Area Disaster Prevention Council, comprising 11 companies in the Keihin waterfront district, local neighborhood self-governing bodies, and neighborhood associations, so as to carry out initiatives to enhance regional disaster preparedness. One of these initiatives is holding joint disaster drills on a regular basis.
- *2The MRY facility is offered as a temporary evacuation area to be used before moving to a disaster prevention facility.
In November, a regional disaster drill was held on the MRY facility premises and at local disaster prevention facilities. In March, MRY carried out a periodic disaster drill jointly with neighborhood associations in the local community.
