Applied Materials Korea (CEO Park Kwang-sun), a global leader in materials engineering solutions, signed a business agreement (MOU) with the Korea Federation for Environmental Movements and will support the ‘Protect Our Rivers’ activity for the fourth consecutive year, spreading positive influence within the local community.

In 2024, our river protection activities will be expanded from the existing five national rivers in southern Gyeonggi Province (Hwanggujicheon, Osancheon, etc.) to five rivers in northern Gyeonggi Province (Gongneungcheon, Jungnangcheon, Yongamcheon, Munsancheon, and Wangsukcheon), targeting a total of 10 rivers.

We plan to take the lead in improving water quality and creating a healthy river ecosystem through face-to-face and non-face-to-face activities.

The face-to-face activity involves receiving education on the water purification effects of EM (Effective Micro-organism) soil balls, then making EM soil balls and throwing them into a nearby river.

In addition, we are planting water-purifying plants such as cattails and bulrushes and carrying out activities to eradicate ecosystem-disrupting plants such as Chinese chrysanthemum and thornbush.

Non-face-to-face activities consist of online theoretical education and practical education such as throwing EM mud balls for water quality measurement and improvement. Through online theoretical education, citizens learn about the process of purifying rivers into drinkable water and the river ecosystem in the Gyeonggi region. In addition, after watching educational videos on water quality measurement methods and how to make EM soil balls, they directly measure and improve the water quality of nearby rivers.

Applied Materials Korea employees will participate in face-to-face activities in Bundang, Icheon, Hwaseong, Pyeongtaek, etc. this year, making and throwing EM soil balls and planting water purifying plants. Last year, about 200 Applied Materials Korea employees and college student supporters, ‘Reals,’ participated in face-to-face activities, eradicating about 1.2 tons of invasive plants around a 3,500-pyeong stream and making and throwing EM soil balls, thereby supporting environmental protection in the local community.

Park Kwang-sun, CEO of Applied Materials Korea, said, “This year, our river protection activities have expanded to the northern Gyeonggi region, and we expect that the water quality of national rivers will improve throughout Gyeonggi Province.” He added, “By carrying out ecosystem protection activities together with citizens, students, employees, and partner companies, Applied Materials’ positive influence in the local community and industry will expand.”

Lee Gyeong-yul, chairman of the Korea Federation for Environmental Movements, said, “The water quality of the rivers in the areas that we have intensively managed over the past four years through our river guardian program has been graded 1 to 3,” and added, “The participation of youth and citizens is increasing year after year. This year, in addition to the EM soil ball purification activity, we will also carry out large-scale activities to plant aquatic purifying plants and eradicate invasive species to help create a healthy river ecosystem.”

He added, “We applaud Applied Materials’ continued commitment to protecting the environment in local communities.”

So far, over 10,000 people have participated in our river protection activities, and 240,000 EM soil balls have been thrown into the river. As a result, the water quality of Osancheon, Aracheon, and Gulpocheon has improved, and in particular, the water quality of Gulpocheon has improved from Grade 6 in 2022 to Grade 4 in 2023. Individuals and groups who wish to participate in activities can apply on the official website of our river guardians.

Applied Materials Korea supports various social contribution activities such as 'With Harmony Orchestra', 'Our River Guardians', and 'Science Classroom Program'. Through the university student supporter program 'Reals', it provides various opportunities for young people who dream of entering the semiconductor industry to experience Applied. Detailed information on Applied Korea's social contribution activities can be found on the Applied website.