Environmental information regulation

Access to information is a critical component of a modern democracy. Ensuring that individuals, communities, businesses and other organisations have the opportunity to request and receive public documents is essential for effective participation in public life and it helps to make government and governance more efficient, open and transparent. The right to receive and impart information subject to appropriate exceptions is found in the Article 10 right under the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms 1950: Freedom of Expression.

The right of access to environmental information is a key international norm found for instance, in Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development 1992 which provides that:

‘Environmental issues are best handled with the participation of all concerned citizens, at the relevant level. At the national level, each individual shall have appropriate access to information concerning the environment that is held by public authorities, including information on hazardous materials and activities in their communities, and the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes. States shall facilitate and encourage public awareness and participation by making information widely available. Effective access to judicial and administrative proceedings, including