Leading global chipmaker SK hynix is significantly expanding its environmental commitments by joining a vital public-private initiative dedicated to restoring the ecosystem of Namdae Stream in Yangyang, Gangwon Province. This move underscores the company’s robust “water positive” environmental strategy, aiming for sustainable water stewardship.
SK hynix announced on Friday the signing of a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with key partners, including the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, Gangwon State, Yangyang County, Korea Water Resources Corp., and Korea Environment Corp. The collaborative effort targets the crucial improvement of aging weirs along Namdae Stream, renowned as one of South Korea’s most important salmon migration rivers.
“This groundbreaking project exemplifies how proactive corporate water positive activities can foster mutual growth, benefiting both local communities and the invaluable natural environment,” stated Lee Byoung-ki, Chief Production Officer at SK hynix. His remarks highlight the synergistic potential of such environmental partnerships.
Scheduled to commence in 2026 and extend through 2037, the ambitious project is designed to comprehensively restore natural water flow and reconnect previously fragmented aquatic ecosystems. This will be achieved by upgrading and removing deteriorated barriers that have historically impeded salmon from migrating upstream to their spawning grounds.
For generations, Namdae Stream has been celebrated as South Korea’s premier salmon migration route. However, prolonged aging infrastructure and disruptions to natural water flows have progressively hindered fish movement and adversely impacted the surrounding delicate ecosystem, as detailed by the company.
This pioneering initiative is an integral component of the broader “water positive” philosophy. Under this concept, responsible companies like SK hynix commit to returning more clean water to nature than they consume, directly addressing escalating global concerns surrounding water scarcity and the pervasive risks of climate change.
Within this comprehensive partnership framework, the government will provide essential policy support. Concurrently, public agencies will expertly identify and manage the various restoration projects, while the crucial corporate participation, notably from SK hynix, will significantly contribute to funding and executing these vital environmental works.
Beyond its ecological benefits, the company anticipates that these extensive river restoration efforts will also provide a substantial boost to the local economy. This will occur through enhancing waterfront environments and significantly strengthening the region’s appeal as a premier eco-tourism destination, attracting visitors and fostering sustainable growth.
