SEOUL, May 08 (AJP) - South Korean chipmaker giant SK hynix inc. has signed a multilateral agreement with the government and local authorities to restore the aquatic ecosystem of Namdaecheon Stream, a move aimed at reviving the country’s largest salmon spawning ground.
Under the "Water Positive" initiative, the memory chipmaker will cooperate with the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Gangwon provincial government to modernize aging weirs that have long obstructed salmon migration. The strategy focuses on returning more water to natural sources than the company consumes during its industrial operations, reflecting an shift toward corporate water stewardship.
The restoration project, scheduled to run from 2026 through 2037, focuses on securing consistent water flow and upgrading deteriorating infrastructure to ensure a clear return path for migratory species. Namdaecheon has faced ecological challenges in recent years as outdated barriers and altered currents prevented salmon from reaching their native spawning sites.
Beyond the ecological impact, the partnership is expected to bolster the regional economy by enhancing local tourism and improving the riverside environment for residents. This collaboration marks a shift toward a public-private model where corporate resources are directly integrated into national environmental conservation policies.
“This project illustrates how corporate water management can serve as a tool for shared growth with both nature and local communities,” said Lee Byung-ki, Chief Production Officer at SK hynix. “We will continue to pursue sincere activities to protect water resources moving forward.”
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