Gyeongnam Province, Ministry of Environment, and 8 Cities and Counties: "Let's Create a Nakdong River Where People and Nature Coexist"

The 1st Nakdonggang Love Event Held

The 1st Nakdong River Love event in Gyeongnam Province was held on the 11th at Gangnaru Ecological Park in Haman County.

The event was attended by Governor Park Wan-su, Minister of Environment Han Hwa-jin, mayors and county heads of Changwon, Gimhae, Miryang, Uiryeong, Haman, Changnyeong, and Hapcheon?cities and counties bordering the Nakdong River?as well as about 800 people including provincial council members and city and county councilors.

At the 1st Nakdong River Love Event, Han Hwajin, Minister of Environment (left), and Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, are holding up the Nakdong River Agreement for nature and humans to coexist.
[Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government]

At the event, Gyeongnam Province and the Ministry of Environment signed an agreement for the Nakdong River, where nature and humans coexist.

They agreed to collaborate on ▲advancing the ecological resources of the Nakdong River ▲strengthening climate change resilience projects such as in frequently flooded areas ▲water quality improvement projects including response to green algae in the Nakdong River ▲and eco-friendly resident utilization projects such as Nakdong River waterfront districts.

Following this, Gyeongnam Province and the eight adjacent cities and counties of the Nakdong River jointly read a declaration pledging efforts for coexistence with nature.

The declaration included ▲improving the water quality of the Nakdong River ▲globalizing the Nakdong River ecology ▲projects to enhance accessibility to the Nakdong River ▲utilization of waterfront zones ▲establishment of a provincial commemorative day called ‘Nakdong River Day’ ▲and formulation of a Nakdong River project strategy.

Governor Park Wansu of Gyeongnam Province is delivering a greeting at the 1st Nakdong River Love Event.
[Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government]

Governor Park said, “The Nakdong River is an invaluable natural asset essential to our region, but sometimes we take it for granted as if it will always be by our side,” adding, “I hope today’s event serves as an opportunity for all residents to once again reflect on the importance and value of the Nakdong River.”

He continued, “We will work even harder with the Ministry of Environment and the cities and counties to prepare measures for preserving the natural ecology of the Nakdong River, improving water quality, and utilizing it as a resident-friendly space.”

Minister Han stated, “The Nakdong River was the starting point of the past agricultural society and the artery of modernization and industrialization, and now it is reborn as a space where residents’ leisure and ecosystems harmonize,” adding, “Through today’s agreement with Gyeongnam Province, the government will actively cooperate to enhance the functions and value of the Nakdong River and prioritize residents’ safety by preparing flood control measures for coexistence between residents and the Nakdong River.”

Gyeongnam Governor Park Wan-su is participating in the 100k rally cycling event along the Nakdong River held during the 1st Nakdong River Love Festival.
[Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government]

Afterwards, participants joined about 700 cycling club members in the ‘100k Rally Bicycle Ride’ along the Nakdong River.

The bicycle convoy started from Haman and traveled a total of 119 km through Changwon, Gimhae, Yangsan, Miryang, and finally to Changnyeong. Finishers received completion medals at the destination, Namji Sports Park in Changnyeong.

On the day, Gyeongnam Province also operated a ‘coffee truck without disposable products’ and conducted a campaign to reduce disposable product use to foster an atmosphere of reducing single-use items in daily life. The event concluded with environmental cleanup activities after the closing ceremony.

The province plans to initiate a research project to establish a future vision and phased strategies covering environmental improvements such as water quality along the 106 km Nakdong River section in Gyeongnam, as well as tourism, culture and sports, history, housing, economy, transportation, and disaster prevention in the surrounding areas.

In September, the province will promote environmental cleanup activities along the Nakdong River with residents, and in November, it plans to hold a health walking event for residents along the Nakdong River.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.