About the Danish Ministry of Environment
Taking care of nature, the environment and consumer protection are core concerns of the Ministry of Environment.
The Ministry facilitates the development of sustainable and resource-efficient solutions and contributes to the development of industrial growth and workplaces in Denmark, while simultaneously minding nature, the environment and our drinking water.
The nature is the focal point for all activities of the Ministry of Environment. Nature is the basis for life and food production and nature offers a great variety of leisure activities. Therefore the Ministry strives to protect forests, lakes, coastlines and open landscapes and ensures opportunities for the public to experience and have leisure activities in nature around the country.
At the same time the Ministry works to ensure that we are protected against unnecessary chemical products in our clothing, toys, soap, houses etc.; and that environmental pollutions that may have an influence in our everyday life are dealt with.
Approximately 2,000 employees placed around the country take care of the various tasks of the Ministry, which is organized in four main institutions.
The department of the ministry
The Department of the ministry is the political arm of the organisation. The Department of the ministry assists the Minister in general policy formulation and acts as a secretariat in matters that require the Minister's attention or involvement.
The Department of the ministry assists the Minister in general policy formulation and acts as a secretariat in matters that require the Minister's attention or involvement.
Furthermore, the Department of the ministry may act on its own initiative in political matters within the relevant sectors of the Ministry, and follow up on political measures taken in the Danish Parliament (Folketing) relating to the environment.
The Department of the ministry is in charge of the general management of the Minister's portfolio; the Department of the ministry at the overall level directs and coordinates the work of the Ministry's directorates and institutions.
Moreover, decisions taken by directorates and institutions may normally be appealed to the Minister/the Department of the ministry.
It is furthermore the responsibility of the Department of the ministry to coordinate legislative issues, conduct international negotiations, maintain contact with departments in other ministries and other relevant partners, as well as to coordinate the Ministry's personnel, communication, information and IT policies.
Permanent Secretary Anne Marie Lauritsen is head of the Department of the ministry.
Cooperation
The Ministry of Environment collaborates with a lot of partners, nationally and internationally.
Domestically, the Ministry has close collaboration with a number of industry associations and interest groups, research institutions and public authorities.
At European level, collaboration with EU institutions, colleagues and authorities in other EU member states has top priority, and internationally the Ministry puts effort into cooperation with the OECD, the WTO and FAO.
History
The Ministry of Environment of Denmark is a young ministry, established in december 2020 when the former Ministry of Environment and Food was split up.
The Ministry of Environment was set up in 1971 and until 1973 named the Ministry for Pollution Control.