Kia is set to restore 50,000 pyeong of tidal flats in Seocheon, South Chungcheong Province, by 2029 as part of its Blue Carbon ecological restoration project.
On July 28, Kia signed a multilateral memorandum of understanding at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, South Chungcheong Province, Seocheon County, Marine Environment Corporation, and Korea Marine Foundation to advance the "Seocheon Tidal Flat Blue Carbon Ecological Restoration Project."
Key figures at the event included Kia President Song Ho-sung, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jong-woo, South Chungcheong Province Governor Park Soo-hyun, Seocheon County Mayor Yoo Seung-kwang, Marine Environment Corporation Chairman Kang Yong-seok, and Korea Marine Foundation Chairman Kim Yang-soo.
The agreement aims to restore the tidal flat ecosystem in Seocheon by planting halophytes, thereby expanding blue carbon absorption sources. The plan includes planting halophytes over an area of approximately 168,000 square meters (about 50,000 pyeong) in the Jangam, Soli, and Songnim tidal flats by 2029 to enhance carbon absorption capabilities.
Tidal flats are recognized as a key blue carbon ecosystem that absorbs and stores carbon through sediment layers and halophytes. The Jangam tidal flat will be developed into a blue carbon garden, utilizing idle land from abandoned fish farms, complete with walking paths and observation decks.
Kia anticipates that the natural expansion of halophyte colonies will not only enhance carbon absorption and pollutant purification but also improve habitat conditions for seabirds and restore biodiversity.
"This memorandum of understanding represents a new collaborative model for ecosystem conservation involving businesses, government, and local communities," said Kia President Song Ho-sung.
Additionally, Kia has been working on ecological restoration efforts since 2022 in collaboration with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, focusing on the restoration of tidal flat vegetation in Maehyang-ri, Hwaseong, and planting halophytes in the area.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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