OMRON Iida is located within Luehdorfia park, which was chosen as a "home to creatures" by the Environment Agency in 1989. Therefore, when the company constructed its second factory building in response to an invitation by Iida City in 2004, OMRON Iida chose black for the base color of the building so as not to hinder the inhabitation of Luehdorfia which is susceptible to sunlight. The company also gave up constructing a connecting road between the first and second buildings for the protection of biodiversity. Even today, the company's employees are using a local unpaved road.

In addition, OMRON Iida lends a parking area for the Iida Insects Association, which has been dedicated to survey and research of the Japanese Luehdorfia for over 20 years, when the association members observe the butterfly once a year. The company also supports the protection of Heterotropa takaoi, a feed herb for this butterfly.

※ Japanese Luehdorfia

A small butterfly in the Papilionidae family nicknamed "Goddess of the Spring," because it incubates in the spring. The number of Luehdorfia at one time declined to a level approaching extinction due to excessive collecting.

On April 21, the Yasu Factory staff stocked the biotope with 15 male and 15 female striped bitterlings, under the guidance of experts from the Lake Biwa Museum and the related NPO. The fish laid eggs in the pond, and young fish increased to 200 by the autumn. They are growing heartily in the pond that reproduced the natural environment of the bitterling’s habitat. Plants planted around the biotope were also selected based on the natural habitat. An experiment for germination of buried seeds is underway using dredged soil and sand from the neighboring lake and river. Yasu Factory also cooperates with this scientific experiment for fully drawing out the potential biodiversity of the locality using disposed waste. Going forward, Yasu Factory will provide local children with the opportunity to observe lifeforms and learn about the natural environment, in order to help them nurture a love for nature.

The pond of bitterlings received a special prize in the 3rd Biotope Commendation sponsored by the NPO Japan Biotope Association.

* The striped bitterling

(Acheilognathus cyanostigma) is a species of freshwater cyprinid fish that once inhabited the Lake Biwa and Yodo River water systems in large populations. Due to the growth of non-native species and river development projects, this fish is no longer seen in Lake Biwa. It is designated as one of the most endangered class IA species in the Ministry of the Environment’s Red List. Its name was derived from a long blue green stripe on the sides of its body.