Dong-A Otsuka signs MOU with National Nakdong River Biological Resources Center for ESG cooperation

Dong-A Otsuka announced Wednesday it has signed an MOU with the National Nakdong River Biological Resources Center, an agency under the Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy, for cooperation on freshwater biological resource utilization and ESG management.

The agreement combines the center's freshwater biological materials and patent technologies with Dong-A Otsuka's food development capabilities, aiming to support joint research on functional food ingredients and new product development. The two organizations also plan to run public awareness campaigns on the importance of freshwater biodiversity conservation.

Alongside the signing ceremony, the two organizations made a joint donation to energy-vulnerable households in the local community. They visited Sangju City Hall to deliver heat illness prevention kits — comprising Pocari Sweat powder, neck coolers, towels and squeeze bottles — along with Pocari Sweat beverages and bottled water to 20 energy-vulnerable households. Dong-A Otsuka also plans to separately donate 5 million won ($3,260) in cash to vulnerable residents in Sangju.

Park Cheol-ho, president and CEO of Dong-A Otsuka, said the company would "work with the National Nakdong River Biological Resources Center to enhance the value and sustainability of biological resources and expand our ESG activities."