Kia Protecting Freshwater in USA

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Last Updated on: 26th March 2025, 12:13 am

When we talk and write about cleantech, we’re often referring to technologies that help to prevent global heating and climate crisis. However, there are other things to protect too — like water.

So, it was a bit refreshing and a good reminder recently when I saw that Kia America had teamed up with The Nature Conservancy to help with freshwater conservation around the United States. “Over the next three years, Kia is investing $3 million to support TNC’s goal of conserving 1 million kilometers of rivers and 30 million hectares of lakes, wetlands, and floods by 2030.”

This partnership and investment kicked off on World Water Day, March 22.

“Water is one of our most precious resources, and we have a responsibility to help protect it for future generations,” says Russell Wager, vice president of marketing, Kia America. “By teaming up with The Nature Conservancy, we’re not just funding a project — we’re supporting on-the-ground action that will make a real difference. Our goal is to inspire our customers and communities to join us in protecting the wetlands and waterways that we all depend on.”

One has to think this is all for good press, but whether it’s truly an effort at altruism or it’s an attempt at positive news coverage, it doesn’t really matter, does it? The work is being done, and we can be thankful for that.

Kia provides some more info on the benefits of this contribution: “Kia’s support will enable TNC in protecting freshwater ecosystems through several key initiatives. These include restoring critical wetlands to reduce flood impacts, improving water quality, and enhancing wildlife habitats. Additionally, Kia will support TNC’s efforts to collaborate with Indigenous and local communities to ensure healthier and more resilient ecosystems for people and nature.

“Specifically, this joint effort will support projects that focus on modernizing water infrastructure for ecological health, implementing natural processes to enhance resilience and reduce disaster risks, and advancing sustainable agricultural water management policies.”

It’s all good stuff, and highly needed. One could say it’s easy to ignore these needs today, with so much attention put on climate matters (rightfully), so I think Kia does deserve some props for going above and beyond in a largely neglected area of society.

“Water is the lifeblood of the planet and rivers, lakes, and wetlands are working overtime to keep it pumping. These systems are feeding communities, shaping cultures and sustaining the diversity of life on Earth,” says Nicole Silk, Global Director of Freshwater Outcomes at The Nature Conservancy. “We must all do our part to protect these ecosystems. That’s why we are thrilled to collaborate with Kia America on this campaign. By combining TNC’s expertise in conservation with Kia’s innovative approach to sustainability, we aim to restore and protect freshwater habitats, support biodiversity, while also and promoting clean water access. This joint effort underscores our shared vision of a world where nature and people thrive together.”

Indeed.

As a final note, I did not notice any announcements from other automakers about World Water Day and what they were doing (or not) for the important day.