Business News
Ricoh Contributes to the National Forest Foundation
Monday 28. April 2008 - Funds Will Be Allocated to California Post-Fire Reforestation Effort
Ricoh Americas Corporation announced today that it has contributed $10,000 to the National Forest Foundation (NFF), for the post-fire reforestation in California, specifically in the San Bernardino National Forest. The National Forest Foundation is the nation’s only conservation organization dedicated to addressing the issues facing National Forests.
The goal of the National Forest Foundation is to raise $250,000 intended solely for the reforestation of San Bernardino National Forest. This focused effort is due to the wildfires that raged through and destroyed much of the region in October 2007. Ricoh’s contribution, which enhances its longstanding commitment to forest ecosystem conservation, will be leveraged in conjunction with all funds raised through this initiative.
“Making a contribution to help support the National Forest Foundation is a natural fit for Ricoh since it aligns with our corporate vision of conserving natural resources and being effective ambassadors for the environment,” said Kirk Yoshida, Chairman & CEO, Ricoh Americas Corporation.
The seedlings for this project are now being harvested in a Forest Service Greenhouse in preparation for a spring 2009 planting. Ultimately, these new trees will restore habitat for sensitive and endangered species, help improve water quality in the San Jacinto Basin, and store carbon to ameliorate the effects of climate change.
As a global citizen, Ricoh has a longstanding commitment to promoting a sustainable society where environmental impact is limited to a level within the Earth’s self-recovery capabilities. Key to this effort is engaging in global conservation activities, in partnership with organizations and local communities that balance the vital ecosystem with particular emphasis on forest conservation initiatives. Since 1999, Ricoh has invested in more than a dozen forest conservation projects in countries such as Bangladesh, Russia, Malaysia, Mexico, Japan and the United States.