Crucial Importance of Water

World Water Day observed with various programs provided by KOWACO

The ceremony to mark the 14th World Water Day took place at COEX in southern Seoul March 22 attended by a number of cabinet ministers led by acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Construction and Transportation Minister Chu Byung-jik and Vice Environment Minister Lee Kyu-yong among some 1,000 government employees and others from all walks of life.
The theme of the event was "Water and Culture"as the government intended to remind the public the importance of water and made public its plan to keep tap water safe, preserve clean water and secure water reservoirs, among others, as part of its master plan to make Korea a water welfare state.
The government presented citations and medals to 19 individuals and organizations at the ceremony in recognition of their outstanding services to the preservation of clean water around the country last year. Director-General Moon Jeong-ho of the Environment Ministry won the Red Stripes Order of Service Medal, and the Korea Water Resources Corp.
clinched the Presidential citation for excellence in management of water.
In the meantime, the Environment and Construction and Transportation Ministries have been conducting various activities in the month of March in commemoration of World Water Day including academic seminars, public relations and other events.
The significance of water is that it is the most important and urgent task for all mankind to solve water problems in the 21 st century. Korea is in the same situation, although it had been known for enough clean water from the time immemorial with shortage and pollution of water happening in the country.
The best way to preserve enough water all year round is to store rain water during the flood season and use them in the dry season. Loving water is the way to love the country; All people should get used to saving water and continue to try to secure water resources in a positive way. There can be no future without water and water is the most previous resource to be left to future generations.
Major events that followed the ceremony at COEX include the exhibition of art works on loving water themes held on March 22 at places around locations where ceremonies to mark the water day were held around the country; a campaign to encourage people to drink tap water also took place around the country; and the Korean delegation attended the 4th World Water forum in Mexico City March 16-22. The Korea Housewives Classroom conducted the Grand Debate on Love for Water in March in 16 cities and provinces around the country.
The major theme at the forum on water held at Mexico City was "Local Actions for Global Challenge"and exhibition activities on an integrated management of water resources area and improving water resources. They also included exhibitions of technological examples and public relations on overseas operations. The Korea Water Resources Corp. will try to entice the 2012 World Water forum to Korea by expanding its exchange with key leaders of the WWC. It will try to conclude an MOU and cooperate with international organizations. It will announce papers and attend conferences for cooperation with international organizations, particularly at a joint meeting of Korea, Japan and China. The KOWACO will promote a meeting of the Asia-Pacific countries and participate in a diversified seminar and collect information.
A symposium to commemorate the World Water Day took place March 20 at the Science Technology Hall in Seoul with a main theme of Water and Quality of Life staged by the Korea Water Resources Association and the Korean Federation of Water Resources and Engineering Society. About 300 participants in the event included government officials, academics, and members of the Korean Housewives Classroom. Supporting organizations included the Ministry of Construction and Transportation, the Environment Ministry, the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs, the Korea Water Resources Corp. and the Central Association of the Korean Housewives Classroom. nw

(from left) Deputy Prime Minister Han Duck-soo speaks during the World Water Day anniversary day. Kwak Kyul-ho, president of the Korea Water Resources Corporation (KOWACO), encourages KOWACO officials promoting the corporation's new corporate identity, "K-Water."(right) KOWACO President Kwak