Public participation

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. Both treaties are open for accession by any UN Member State. To facilitate accession by non-ECE Member States to the Aarhus Convention, the Meeting of the Parties adopted decision IV/5 at its fourth session (ENG FRE RUS).