The Ministry of Environmental Affairs was established in 1972 and retains, promotes and organises national environmental affairs policy. Main areas of responsibility include protection and use of biodiversity, outdoor recreation, cultural heritage and cultural environments, ocean and water pollution as well as waste and recycling, climate change, air pollution and noise and international environmental co-operation. The Ministry is divided into six departments, six subordinate directories and 18 sections for environmental affairs located in each of the county administrations. For more information on relevant ministerial departments and directorates please see below.