Kia America Joins Forces with The Nature Conservancy to Support Freshwater Conservation

IRVINE, Calif., March 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia America today announced a new collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) – a global environmental conservation organization– to support freshwater conservation across 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. The initiative, which will officially kick off on World Water Day (March 22, 2025), will also raise awareness of and educate audiences on the importance of freshwater ecosystems to sustain all life.

This collaboration aligns with Kia's broader commitment to environmental responsibility and giving back to the communities in which it serves and lives.

"Water is one of our most precious resources, and we have a responsibility to help protect it for future generations," said 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."

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.

"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."

This collaboration with TNC underscores Kia's commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. In recent years, Kia has increased its investment in eco-conscious programs – including global initiatives to reduce ocean plastic pollution and now freshwater conservation. By supporting the restoration of wetlands and other natural solutions, Kia is helping to build more resilient communities and a healthier planet for generations to come.

Kia America – about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*. 

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert 

* Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 

About The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.

SOURCE Kia America