Ending environmental secrecy

In a situation where powerful and vested interests have a direct relation to the factors causing the environmental degradation affecting everyone, it is necessary to increase the transparency of environmental decision-making processes and enable further participation by the general public. This will promote democracy and protect the right of everyone to live in a healthy environment.

Giving the public effective access to information, improving communication with the public, securing the role of the public in decision-making and providing access to justice for the public in environment and health matters.

Adequate protection of the environment is essential to human well-being and the enjoyment of basic human rights, including the right to life itself. Every person has the right to live in an environment adequate to his or her health and well-being, and the duty, both individually and in association with others, to protect and improve the environment for the benefit of present and future generations.