This Model Law on access to environmental information, which establishes a comprehensive legal framework to ensure the public’s right to obtain timely and reliable information about the environment. It defines key concepts such as environmental information, pollution, monitoring systems, and applicants, and broadly interprets environmental information to include data on environmental conditions, factors affecting them, government measures, and impacts on human health. The Law emphasizes that any individual or legal entity, regardless of nationality or residence, has the right to request such information. The Law sets out principles and procedures governing access to environmental information, establishing that it is generally public and freely accessible. It specifies the responsibilities of state authorities, local governments, and other holders of environmental information to ensure transparency, provide information upon request, and actively disseminate it through digital systems and public platforms. It defines timelines for responses, formats of information provision, and circumstances under which access may be limited (e.g., confidentiality, national security, or data protection). It also ensures procedural safeguards, such as the right to appeal refusals and the obligation of authorities to assist applicants. In addition, the Law regulates the collection, storage, and dissemination of environmental data, including the creation of national databases, emission registers, and state reports on environmental conditions and resource use. It mandates the establishment of a centralized state environmental information fund and requires regular publication of environmental indicators, policies, and monitoring results. The framework also promotes the use of information technologies to enhance accessibility and public participation, while imposing legal liability for violations and providing mechanisms for administrative and judicial review of decisions related to access to environmental information.
2023-04-14