Climate & Energy Policy Update: Busan Collaboration & Water Management Plans

Busan City and South Gyeongsang Province held a joint meeting on Wednesday, February 20th, to discuss resolving ongoing water supply issues, with a focus on diversifying the region’s water sources, according to a statement released by Busan City on Thursday.

The meeting, held at the South Gyeongsang Provincial Office, included Busan Mayor Park Hyung-joon, South Gyeongsang Province Governor Park Wan-soo, National Assembly member Park Sang-woong, the mayors of Uiryeong and Changnyeong counties, a representative from the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment’s water utilization policy division, and the head of a committee opposing the development of groundwater resources in Changnyeong, officials said.

The discussions centered on the progress of the Nakdong River water source diversification project, a long-standing issue for Busan, which relies heavily on the Nakdong River for its water supply. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment presented a report detailing the project’s current status, responding to key questions previously raised by the opposition committee. The report covered planned intake points, potential impacts on groundwater levels, mitigation measures for groundwater depletion, and compensation plans, according to a report from Yonhap News Agency.

Busan City officials outlined plans for collaborative initiatives with Changnyeong County, including the establishment of a “Busan-Changnyeong Co-development Fund,” scholarships and dormitory support for Changnyeong students, and the procurement of agricultural products from Changnyeong County, as reported by Busan City’s official website.

Participants reached a consensus that a clear government position on the opening of dams was a prerequisite for further progress, according to the Yonhap News Agency report. Busan City plans to hold a public briefing for Changnyeong residents this month and establish a standing committee in early March to continue efforts to gain resident consent.

The meeting follows a similar gathering on February 20th, initiated by National Assembly member Park Sang-woong, which brought together key stakeholders to discuss the project and potential support measures, as reported by the Hankyoreh. The 2021 “Nakdong River Integrated Water Management Plan” had previously stalled for five years, prompting the need for renewed dialogue between the involved parties.

The World Today News has learned that the meeting was convened to address concerns over the potential environmental impact of the project on Changnyeong County, particularly regarding groundwater resources. The Changnyeong County opposition committee has consistently voiced concerns about the potential for groundwater depletion and ecological damage.