We believe that effective, sustainable environmental protection depends on the support and active participation of civil society. In fact, Public Participation is generally considered an essential ingredient in effective environmental decision-making. To assure public input, governments must
- Make information widely available and
- Provide administrative and judicial proceedings where the citizens can be heard and/or seek redress and remedy.
Recognizing its importance, our Program designates Public Participation as a separate sub-theme under Theme A, and conducts Activities specifically dedicated to making sure the CAFTA-DR public has ample opportunities to contribute to environmental decision-making. Moreover, Public Participation cuts across other Program themes, and is a constituent of many of their Activities.
To become involved, people need easy access to relevant, accurate and understandable information—“Accessibility, Quality & Transparency” are the key requirements. The Program provides resources for production and dissemination of information in many media, such as paper-based and on-line publications (pamphlets, posters, newsletters, press releases, reports, assessments); videos; radio announcements. It also sponsors community meetings, workshops and specific training and capacity building on assessment and use of environmental information. For a few examples, see below.
|
Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
