The Ministry of Environment () is the South Korea branch of government charged with environmental protection. In addition to enforcing regulations and sponsoring ecological research, the Ministry manages the national parks of South Korea. Its headquarters is in Sejong City. Mission The mission of the Ministry of Environment is to protect the national territory from threats of environmental pollution and to improve the quality of life for the public. This includes ensuring the people of South Korea can enjoy the natural environment, clean water and clear skies. Furthermore, the Ministry aims to contribute to the global efforts to protect the Earth. In February 2008, the Korea Meteorological Administration became an affiliate of the Ministry of Environment to facilitate countermeasures against climate change. Tasks of the Ministry of Environment include Enactment and amendment of environmental laws and regulations Introduction of environmental institutions Building up the framework structure for environmental administration Drafting and implementation of mid to long term comprehensive measures for environmental conservation Setting up standards for regulations Providing administrative and financial support for environmental management to local governments Inter-Korean environmental cooperation Environmental cooperation with other countries. History The environmental authority of the Republic of Korea, began with the Pollution Section of the Ministry of Health and Society, established in 1967, which was expanded to become the Pollution Division, in charge of environmental administration, in 1973. After several reforms and the expansion of environmental authority, the Environment Administration was launched as an affiliate of the Ministry of Health and Society, in 1980. In January 1990, the Environment Administration was elevated to the Ministry of Environment under the Office of the Prime Minister, in order to efficiently integrate and coordinate environmental issues. In December 1994, the Ministry of Environment was given greater authority to establish and implement its own policies. Timeline Ministers of the Environment Major policies Air Air Pollutant Emissions Trading System Certification of Exhaust Reduction Equipment Foul Odor Prevention Promotion of Natural Gas Vehicles Air Pollution Monitoring Clean SYS In-use Diesel Vehicle Emissions Control Special Measures for Air Quality Improvement in the Seoul Metropolitan Area Atmospheric Environmental Standard Dust and sandstorms Indoor Air Quality Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Reduction Water Drinking Water Quality Standard and Test Ecological Stream Restoration Projects Environmental Management of Military Facilities Environmental Water Quality Standards Individual Sewerage Non-point Source Pollution Management Operation of Water Quality Monitoring Network Public Sewerage Total Water Pollution Load Management System Underground