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WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION |
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME |
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Measurement and monitoring
DPR of Korea has taken regular measurements and monitored ozone level since 1985.
Total ozone measurements and monitoring in the DPRK are made on the daily basis in Pyongyang.
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology is the main body for the measurement of ozone in association with the State Environment Commission.
5 universities and several research institutions related to environmental issue are also actively participating in the work.
Meteorological observation stations located in 9 provinces are also involved in ozone observation work.
From December 1985 till December 1994, the total ozone layer decreased by 3.7% in Pyongyang area.
Measurements of tropospheric concentrations and main ozone precursors at the ground level(O3,NO2,SO2) were made at three stations: Wonsan, hyesan and sariwon at the locations over 1000-1200m altitudes.
RESEARCH AND STUDIES
In 1994 the State Environment Commission and the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology initiated a broad programme of scientific and technological research to comply with the provisions of the Vienna Convention and implementation of the Montreal ProtocoI.
A national research programme for the protection of ozone layer by reducing ozone depleting substances was launched for 5 years periods I994-1999).
The programme consists of monitoring studies of photochemical reactions UV-B radiation impact on animal and plants.
However, recently the programme encountered very serious problem.
Last year the country experienced the worst natural disaster for 10,000 years.
About 75% of the total territory was swept be flood and many equipment and laboratory instruments mere lost and valuable data and research results were either missing or severely damaged.
Up to now some of the instruments in major research institutions have been repared but most of the institutions are still lack of basic facilities.
Photometer analyzer, spectrophotometer, ozone meter and radiometer are in urgent need.
Although the Government has already allocated some money, still external funding is necessary.
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