But analysts say these measures have totally failed. Lee Min-bok, a North Korean defector who recently worked as a manager of Pyongyang's Agricultural Department, said a dearth of regulations was causing massive harm. Without more environment laws, the water, air and soil will die. Passing laws is only half the battle. Getting them enforced is proving equally problematic.
Factories are under strict orders to meet production schedules.
Trees are indiscriminately cut down to heat homes, for cooking and to clear lots for growing vegetables. The lack of trees exacerbates flooding, which in turn damages the soil. An official at the Ministry of Unification said he regularly received news of fresh environmental disasters in the North. Industrial waste is everywhere in North Korea.