Public participation
Introduction
The Aarhus Convention and its Protocol on PRTRs empower people with the rights to access information, participate in decision-making in environmental matters and to seek justice. They are the only legally binding global instruments on environmental democracy. Their powerful twin protections for the environment and human rights can help us respond to many challenges facing our world: from climate change and the loss of biodiversity, air and water pollution to poverty eradication and security. They provide a solid framework for governments to engage the public effectively in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs.
Key areas of work
In focus
2020 Selected Highlights - Aarhus Convention & Protocol on PRTRs
The UNECE Executive Secretary’s Blog: Environmental democracy in times of COVID-19
2021 reporting cycle for the Aarhus Convention
2021 reporting cycle for the Protocol on PRTRs
A news article - Upholding Aarhus Rights in a Changing World
A news article - UNECE Protocol on PRTRs promotes coordination and cooperation in environmental reporting supporting a green and circular economy
Events
Sixty-ninth meeting of the Compliance Committee to the Aarhus Convention
25 - 29 January
Palais des Nations - To be held virtually Geneva Switzerland
25 - 29 January
Palais des Nations - To be held virtually Geneva Switzerland
Thirteenth meeting of the Task Force on Access to Justice under the Aarhus Convention
15 - 16 February
Palais des Nations, Geneva Switzerland
15 - 16 February
Palais des Nations, Geneva Switzerland
Ninth meeting of the Task Force on Public Participation in Decision-making under the Aarhus Convention
01 - 02 March
Tempus 2, Palais des Nations Geneva Switzerland
01 - 02 March
Tempus 2, Palais des Nations Geneva Switzerland
Seventieth meeting of the Compliance Committee to the Aarhus Convention
12 - 16 April
Palais des Nations Geneva Switzerland
12 - 16 April
Palais des Nations Geneva Switzerland
