- Engaging in various environmental activities, including river cleanup performances, interactive experience booths, and plogging -

- Water quality in Incheon’s five major rivers improved from BOD grade 5 (8.3 ppm in 2014) to grade 2 (2.7 ppm in 2024) -

Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it hosted a commemorative event for World Water Day* 2025 under the theme of “Climate Action for Water Conservation” on Mar. 21 at the Seunggicheon Stream, drawing over 500 citizens.

* World Water Day (March 22) was adopted by resolution A/RES/47/193 of the United Nations General Assembly in December 1992 and has been observed annually since 1993. The day aims to raise awareness of the importance of drinking water, promote water conservation, and encourage participation and cooperation across various sectors and communities.

The event opened with pre-ceremony performances by a busking band and the Incheon Youth Classical Performance Group. This was followed by congratulatory remarks from key guests and a ceremony to award individuals and organizations for their contributions to water management. Afterwards, children were invited to participate in activities based on this year's Water Day theme of “Climate Action for Water Conservation.” Various river cleanup performances followed, including puzzle solving, releasing loaches to clean the river, and throwing effective microorganism (EM) soil balls.

In addition, various experience booths were operated on the theme of climate crisis and sustainable water environment preservation, such as promoting heavenly water and making keychains for migratory birds visiting the Seunggicheon Stream. In particular, the shared flower pots grown by the Sudokwon Landfill Site Management Corporation (SLC) contributed to reducing greenhouse gases by utilizing waste heat generated during the waste recycling process, adding environmental significance.

In the second part of the event, a plogging activity was held along the Seunggicheon Stream tributary circulation course, encouraging citizens to take an active role in environmental conservation. This marked the second year of the plogging initiative, following its launch last year. More than 500 participants, including students, seniors, corporate employees, and members of various organizations, came together to clean up the Seunggicheon Stream, reinforcing the importance of maintaining clean and safe water sources. 

Incheon Deputy Mayor for Administrative Affairs Ha Byeong-pil stated, “We are making significant progress in restoring Incheon’s five rivers of life, a key pledge of the 8th-term municipal administration. Over the past decade, we have achieved notable improvements* in river quality through various water conservation policies. We will continue working to secure stable water resources and create clean, healthy rivers, ensuring a pleasant environment and a peaceful retreat for our citizens.”

* The quality of Incheon’s rivers has improved significantly, with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels rising from grade 5 (8.3 ppm in 2014) to grade 2 (2.7 ppm in 2024).