Natuurpunt Partnership

Since 2005 Toyota Motor Europe and Natuurpunt, a nature-conservation organisation based in the north of Belgium, have worked together on a large number of projects to conserve and protect the natural environment. The activities have been concentrated in the areas around Toyota’s logistics centres in Diest and Zeebrugge.

When our Parts Centre in Diest wanted to create a green fence around the site, Natuurpunt provided advice on which native trees would be appropriate for the local ecology. Together with Toyota staff and Natuurpunt volunteers, almost 2,000 native trees and bushes were planted around the site.

Natuurpunt also provides Toyota employees with opportunities to learn more about the natural environment in their local areas. Through Natuurpunt, many Toyota staff have been involved in events such as a Day of Nature and the European Night of the Bats.

Toyota’s support has enabled Natuurpunt to hold events which have attracted large numbers of visitors. More than 1,000 people including VIPS, Toyota representatives and local media attended the opening of the renewed visitor centre at the Uitkerkse Polder in Blankenberge. Over 2,000 attended the Bird Festival in Damme. The fifth edition of the Work Folk festival attracted 350 participants and another 70 who took part in a nature conservation weekend held in conjunction with the festival.

Toyota also assists Natuurpunt to purchase equipment necessary for its work. Chainsaws, brush cutters, rakes and safety clothing are just some of the items that have been purchased. Training days have also been held to ensure that volunteers are equipped with the necessary skills to operate power tools in a safe and responsible manner.