Minister Kim Wan-seop: "Next Month, Climate Response Dam Candidate Sites to Be Confirmed, Starting with Regions of High Consensus"

Kim Wan-seop, Minister of Environment, Holds Press Briefing
Further Discussions Planned for Regions Opposing Climate Response Dams
No Nationwide Expansion of Disposable Cup Deposit System

Kim Wan-seop, Minister of Environment, is speaking at a press briefing held on the 25th at the Sejong Government Complex. Photo by Ministry of Environment

The Ministry of Environment will announce the final candidates for climate response dams by next month. They plan to prioritize advancing projects in regions that are favorable while leaving out those opposing dam construction.

Minister Kim Wan-seop held a press briefing at the Sejong Government Complex on the day and said, “We aim to finalize the basic direction on how to handle the 14 climate response dams by March,” adding, “The announcement will be made through the National Water Resources Management Committee.”

Last July 30, the Ministry of Environment announced 14 candidate sites for climate response dams designed to cope with extreme weather. This marks the first dam construction in 14 years since the Bohyeonsan multipurpose dam, which began construction in 2010. These dams are characterized by their flood defense capability, able to withstand rainfall of 80 to 220 mm at once.

However, some regions strongly opposed the dam construction. Minister Kim explained, “The principle of not forcing construction remains valid,” and added, “There were places where resident briefings could not be held and local consensus was not formed.” His plan is to proceed first with regions favorable to dam construction starting next month, while spending more time on areas with strong opposition.

Regarding the diversification project of water intake sources from the Nakdong River, he stated, “We will ensure that no single area suffers losses or gains disproportionately.” The government plans to supply water from the Nakdong River area to residents in the central-eastern part of Gyeongnam and Busan. Minister Kim said the Ministry of Environment will act as a mediator to prevent residents of Hapcheon, Changnyeong, and Uiryeong?who supply the water?from suffering from drinking water shortages or for Busan residents alone to benefit from clean water.

Kim Wan-seop, Minister of Environment, is speaking at a press briefing held on the 25th at the Sejong Government Complex. Photo by Ministry of Environment

Minister Kim also indicated that the nationwide mandatory implementation of the disposable cup deposit system would not be enforced. He said, “We considered the principle of not enforcing it unconditionally if acceptance is low in reality,” and explained, “The goal is not to expand the disposable cup deposit system nationwide, but to reduce disposable cup usage.”

He continued, “Our policy is to actively support regions based on their willingness and acceptance,” emphasizing, “We are having practical discussions with amusement parks that have designated entrances.” He added, “We plan to sign memorandums of understanding (MOUs) next month with regions and facilities participating in the disposable cup reduction policy.” The implementation is expected as early as April or May.

Minister Kim also shared his ideas on organizational restructuring toward a Ministry of Climate and Environment. When asked why such a ministry is necessary, he replied, “The current government organization law does not include the word ‘climate,’” and said, “I am 100% convinced that the law needs to be changed.” He further argued, “It is appropriate for the ministry responsible for reducing and adapting to the climate crisis to handle climate issues.”

Regarding the controversy over the detection of toxic substances from green algae inside nostrils, he once again proposed a joint investigation. Although the Ministry of Environment’s investigations have not detected airborne green algae toxins, a recent research report by a civic group revealed toxic substances detected in the nostrils of nearby residents. Minister Kim emphasized, “This is a scientific issue, not one based on opinions or ideology,” and reiterated, “Since the results have been contradictory, let’s review the results together jointly (with the private sector).”

Meanwhile, Minister Kim mentioned Geumjeongsan in Busan, stating, “We plan to complete its designation as a national park by June.” He said, “It will become the 24th national park,” and added, “This is not a promotion from a provincial park to a national park, but a designation of an area right near the city.” He also noted, “As it is an urban-type national park, it will be convenient for residents to access and is expected to have a positive ripple effect.”

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