On September 25, "Effective public participation in environmental decision-making process in EU and Eastern Partnership countries" kick-off meeting was held in Yerevan.
The project is implemented by Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law in partnership with "Ecological Law" NGO (Armenia) and "Green Alternative" NGO (Georgia).
At kick-ff meeting, the goal of the project and the perspectives of cooperation with representatives of Armenian civil society and state departments were presented.
Three main goals were outlined in the project: the analysis and development of recommendations regarding the changes in the strategy of the mining industry and its action plan for the Republic of Armenia will be carried out in order to present it to the Government of the Republic of Armenia. An analysis and development of recommendations regarding amendments to the EIA legislation of Georgia will also be carried out, which will be presented to the Government of Georgia. On the basis of these analyses, as well as suggestions made as a result of cooperation with NGOs and government agencies, it is planned to develop a model guide to improve effective public participation in the decision-making process regarding industrial projects that harm the environment.
Hannah Johnson, Director of the Armenian branch of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, emphasized the importance of involving communities in decision-making processes in her welcome speech.
Artur Grigoryan, President of "Ecological Law" NGO, noted that the cooperative process is facing conflicting situations between the community and the company, the company and the state, the cause of which is the legislative system. "The goal of the project is to create a model guide where international best practice regulations will be fixed, to create a model that will show in an integrated way how to bring RA legislation and policies closer to European Union standards," noted.
According to him, the directives related to public participation in EU EIA processes will be evaluated within the framework of the project. "We will support the Armenian government so that Armenia agrees to amend the legislation, to bring it closer to international standards," he said.
Ketti Gujaraydze, a political expert at "Green Alternative" NGO, spoke about mining activities in Georgia, citizens' attempt to fight against irresponsible mining. She noted that the project will have a great impact on the mining sector of Georgia, she emphasized the gaps in the sector and how the residents of the affected communities can assist in these processes.
Claudia Ituarte-Lima, Leader of the Human Rights and the Environment Thematic Area at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, highlighted the importance of public participation in the context of the green energy transition.
October 03, 2024 at 16:57