In a world grappling with the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, public demand for transparent environmental governance is growing. Effective access to reliable information, coupled with efforts to combat disinformation and greenwashing, is an important pillar of such governance.
To address these issues, the Task Force on Access to Information under the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention) held its ninth meeting in Geneva, on 7–8 November 2024. The event brought together representatives of Governments, civil society, independent review bodies, academia, international organizations, the private sector and other stakeholders. The discussions focused on: the dissemination of environmental information through the use of electronic information tools; access to environment-related product information; the transparency of public authorities; and whistle-blower protection.
Dissemination of environmental information
The implementation of the Updated recommendations on the more effective use of electronic information tools and the use of modern technologies by the public for collecting, exchanging and using environmental data and information were discussed. Experiences were shared regarding the development of the Global Environmental Data Strategy under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and different electronic information tools developed in Armenia, Albania, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Kazakhstan, North Macedonia and Tajikistan, as well as by the Group on Earth Observations. Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) presented trends and shortcomings in using electronic tools to disseminate environmental data and information. The modernization of existing, and the development of new, nationwide digital environmental information systems were highlighted by speakers, who noted the importance of public participation, user feedback and new technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain in such processes. Measures required to mitigate the effects of the digital divide and promote digital inclusion, as well as the role of citizen science and the media in raising environmental awareness, were also emphasized.
Environment-related product information
Several legislative and practical measures to tackle greenwashing, the lack of reliable data on environmental footprints and the use of chemicals, minerals and metals and other challenges hindering the public’s ability to make informed environmental choices and consume sustainably were highlighted. Representatives of the European Commission, Serbia, Kyrgyzstan, the United Nations Convention on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), UNEP, the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT), the European Committee for Standardization (CEN)/European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC), the Aarhus ECO Forum and the private sector shared experiences in promoting access to product information, sustainable chemistry, product eco-design, digital product passports and green claims verification. Progress in developing UNECE Recommendation No. 49: Transparency at Scale, the United Nations Transparency Protocol, as well as CEN/CENELEC standardization activities on digital product passport systems in the European Union were presented. The Task Force called on Parties and stakeholders to ensure that digital product passports and other modern digital technology tools are aligned with Aarhus Convention requirements.
Transparency of public authorities
Drawing on experiences shared by Montenegro, the Office of the European Ombudsman, the Office of the Greek Ombudsman and the Aarhus ECO Forum, the importance of promoting digitalization and public access to historical, primary and other environmental data as open digital data records, ensuring provision of metadata, addressing the needs of persons in vulnerable situations, and keeping the application of restrictions to access to information under continuous review were addressed. Concerns were expressed regarding delays and refusals concerning the provision of environmental information due to a lack of human and financial resources, with Parties being encouraged to allocate sufficient resources for these purposes.
Whistle-blower protection
The important role of journalists and other whistle-blowers who report violations posing a threat to environmental safety, including actions affecting climate change, was stressed. Their activities support environmental law enforcement and help combat corruption and organized crime. However, such environmental defenders face increasing risks in the form of defamation campaigns, cyberattacks, strategic lawsuits against public participation, criminal detention and prosecution, as well as additional barriers established through “foreign agents legislation”. Taking stock of experiences shared by the Special Rapporteur on environmental defenders under the Aarhus Convention, Michel Forst, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Latvia and several NGOs, the Task Force called for the establishment of: an effective legal framework to protect whistle-blowers and other environmental defenders; safeguards against strategic lawsuits against public participation; effective systems for reporting and investigating abusive actions; and, targeted training sessions for public authorities, law enforcement officials and private persons on the respective obligations under the Convention.
Sustainable Development Goal target 16.10
The meeting’s outcomes are expected to assist countries in achieving several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions) and 12 (Responsible consumption and production). Experiences in the implementation of and measuring and monitoring of progress towards Sustainable Development Goal target 16.10 (Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms) that underwent in-depth review this year, were shared at the meeting.
For more information:
Task Force on Access to Information under the Aarhus Convention:
https://aarhusclearinghouse.unece.org/