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HEADLINES: 2006
29 Dec 2006
EU Member States' approach to Aarhus Convention coming up short, NGO study finds
Study finds many shortcomings in the national legal systems can be resolved if existing provisions are interpreted in the spirit of the Convention
15 Dec 2006
Switzerland Federal Council approves ordinance in line with PRTR Protocol
On 15 December 2006, the Federal Council decided to bring the Ordinance on the Register relating to Pollutant Release and the Transfer of Waste and of Pollutants in Waste Water into force on 1 March 2007 and to ratify the related Protocol on Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTR). In doing so, Switzerland will fulfil the requirements of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
11 Dec 2006
Eighth Global Civil Society Forum to state priorities before opening of 2007 UNEP Governing Council
Civil society gathering on eve of 2007 UNEP Governing Council
2 Dec 2006
UN agencies, Belarus host SAICM side event promoting Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers
As SAICM regional consultations focus on enabling actions, Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTRs) appear on the implementation horizon
23 Nov 2006
Europeans release updated industrial emissions register
The EU’s internet-based public register of industrial emissions to air and water, the European Pollutant Emission Register (EPER), was today updated with the latest emissions data from some 12,000 industrial installations across Europe. These figures – for 2004 – can now be compared with those for 2001 for a number of pollutants, installations, industrial activities or Member States. The data for 2004 for the first time covers installations in the 10 new Member States.
22 Nov 2006
European Commission welcomes agreement on INSPIRE system to enhance access to environmental data
The European Commission welcomes the agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council in Conciliation on a directive creating INSPIRE - Infrastructure for spatial information in Europe. INSPIRE will strengthen the knowledge base for environmental policy and make it more accessible to citizens, stakeholders and decision-makers.
20 Nov 2006
Seminar "From Virtual Debates to Real Participation" to examine lessons of online participation
Event will compare Estonian and European experience with online participation
17 Nov 2006
Nigerian Senate unanimously passes freedom of information law
If it becomes law, legislation would guarantee Nigerian citizens the right to access government-held information
15 Nov 2006
Information rights advocates urge Council of Europe to recognize broad right of access to information
Briefing finds 35 of the 46 Member States of the Council of Europe currently have dedicated access to information laws
14 Nov 2006
United Nations course covers trends and techniques in international environmental law
UNITAR environmental law course offered over the web free of charge
9 Nov 2006
Irish assess access to information, participation and justice in environmental decision-making on live Internet broadcast
On-line talk will be accessible through broadband on Thursday, 16 November 2006, beginning at 19.00
6 Nov 2006
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development invites comment on draft provisions for information requests
Thirty-day public comment period opens on EBRD proposals for handling of information requests and appeals
3 Nov 2006
International symposium seeks to promote participation of NGOs in governance of sustainable development
Dialogue on civil society development between old and new European Union countries initiated by Association “Vraiment Durable”
3 Nov 2006
Global forum explores civic engagement as strategy for sustainable development
ICT and civic engagement workshop at first Internet Governance Forum confronts question "Is the Internet sustainable?"
16 Oct 2006
Consultation on Public Participation in International Forums underway
Almaty Guidelines draw responses from global, trans-regional and pan-European forums
11 Oct 2006
Inter-American Court Confirms Right of Access to Government Information
Human Rights Court affirms general right of access to information held by government
11 Oct 2006
The Aarhus Regulation: New Opportunities for Citizens in the EU and Beyond?
Brussels Public Forum will address new rights and opportunities for citizens and civil society organisations on 27 October 2006.
3 Oct 2006
Simplified guide to the Aarhus Convention published
"Your right to a healthy environment" seeks to introduce laypersons to their rights under the treaty
28 Sep 2006
Regulation to apply provisions of Convention to European Community institutions enters into force
"Aarhus Regulation" enables environmental NGOs to request internal review under environmental law of acts or omissions by Community institutions and bodies
22 Sep 2006
Belgium launches national portal of the Aarhus Clearinghouse
New national portal contains comprehensive information on implementation of the Convention by the federal authority and the three Regions of Belgium
20 Sep 2006
Global Freedom of Information survey finds increased adoption of access to information laws
Survey highlights dangers in backsliding where imposition of onerous fees has significantly reduced use of the Freedom on Information law
13 Sep 2006
European Fair on Education for Sustainable Development opens with UNECE panel on education and Aarhus
2nd European Fair on Education for Sustainable Development features UNECE strategies for education and public participation in decisions affecting sustainable development
12 Sep 2006
Invitation to regional presentation on promotion of media-civil society-government environmental dialogue in the South Caucasus
Project aims to strengthen the capacity of environmental journalists and increase the awareness and commitment of decision makers towards sustainable development, environmental protection and biodiversity
conservation in the South Caucasus
12 Sep 2006
UNITAR and IOMC partners support four pilot projects to initiate national SAICM implementation with a focus on governance, stakeholder participation and partnerships
SAICM Quick Start supports chemical safety and capacity building
7 Sep 2006
Research on "Young People and Active European Citizenship" invited for Budapest Seminar
Event aims to contribute evidenced-based analysis of the issues at stake in “European Citizenship”
1 Sep 2006
Canton of Geneva approves setting up pollutant release and transfer register
Geneva's register to meet requirements of UNECE Protocol on PRTRs
31 Aug 2006
UNECE Workshop on Environmental Monitoring and Reporting by Enterprises opens on Fourth of September
55 experts are expected to participate in the workshop being held in Debe, Poland, 4-6 September 2006
24 Aug 2006
Aarhus secretariat presents CEE experience to Chinese Symposium on public participation in environmental protection
State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) considers Aarhus Convention implementation in Central and Eastern Europe
22 Aug 2006
Contact Group crafts compliance review mechanism proposal
Meeting will be held from 13-15 September 2006 in Geneva
22 Aug 2006
Public gets first look at industrial pollution numbers in Mexico
Mexico joins growing list of countries providing pollutant release and transfer registers (PRTRs) to the public
14 Aug 2006
UNITAR announces Integrated National Programme pilot projects for chemicals and waste
SAICM Quick Start supports chemical safety and capacity building
14 Aug 2006
Online training course offers "What a government leader should know" about E-government
Registration for United Nations Online Network in Public Administration and Finance (UNPAN) course is open through 1 October 2006
27 Jul 2006
Regional report compares pollutant releases across Canada and United States
Total releases and transfers of chemicals in North America decrease by 8%, latest annual report shows
21 Jul 2006
Workshop aims to prepare guidelines on environmental monitoring and reporting by enterprises
Enterprise reporting a key task under pollutant release and transfer registers
20 Jul 2006
EEB accuses US Government of attempting to undermine work of Aarhus Parties
20 Jul 2006
EU Council adopts Regulation on application of the provisions of the Aarhus Convention to the EC institutions and bodies
Belgium issues statement expressing concern over Regulation's treatment of provisions of the Convention concerning access to information and justice
19 Jul 2006
Open Society Institute's Information Program Announces New Guidelines for Unsolicited Grants Process
Deadlines for applications: 30 September and 31 December 2006
13 Jul 2006
EU’s Aarhus Regulation receives mixed verdict from European Environmental Bureau
Conciliation process results in European Parliament approval of regulation to apply the Convention to EU Institutions
12 Jul 2006
SAICM Quick Start Programme application deadline approaches
Endorsement of SAICM national focal points required to trigger SAICM Quick Start funding
12 Jul 2006
Germany's ratification of Aarhus Convention in view
Germany prepares to become Party to environmental democracy treaty
10 Jul 2006
UNECE Inquiry Commission concludes that Danube Canal will have “significant adverse transboundary effects” on the environment
In first test of Inquiry Commission, UNECE body urges bilateral cooperation between Parties to the Espoo Convention
4 Jul 2006
New global survey of access to government records laws released
Study finds 68 countries have adopted freedom of information laws
3 Jul 2006
Aarhus compliance review leads to debate on access to justice in Belgium
Compliance Committee finds Belgium to be in compliance with treaty as Government takes measures to address issue of NGOs' legal standing before national courts
19 Jun 2006
Chemicals management workshop stresses civil society participation, partnerships
UNITAR to support preparatory activities underway for country pilots linked to SAICM implementation
16 Jun 2006
Experts look to enhance implementation of multilateral environmental agreements in the Balkans
Integrating and streamlining MEAs reporting topic of Vienna meeting
16 Jun 2006
Seminar on the Aarhus Convention and public access to environmental information to be held in English and Turkish
European Union-funded "Partnership for the Future" seminar will be held in in Nicosia, Cyprus, 3 July 2006
16 Jun 2006
Argentinean lawyer and human rights activist wins Sophie Prize
CEDHA founder cited for groundbreaking work in linking problems of environmental destruction to the fight for basic human rights
16 Jun 2006
Representativeness of European civil society organisations in civil dialogue: open debate
European Economic and Social Committee invites European and national civil society organisations to comment on guidelines and proposals by 30 June 2006
6 Jun 2006
World’s international NGOs endorse accountability charter
The heads of 11 of the world’s leading human rights, environmental and social development international organisations have publicly endorsed the first global accountability charter for the non-profit sector
6 Jun 2006
Switzerland to launch pollutant release and transfer register in line with UNECE Protocol
http://www.news.admin.ch/NSBSubscriber/message/fr/5445#
1 Jun 2006
Global Alliance for ICT and Development to hold inaugural meeting
Follow up to World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS-II) seeks to integrate ICT with global development agenda
29 May 2006
Report profiles data on industrial releases and children’s health
Report recommends that children’s health should be among the factors that guide the interpretation of PRTR data
13 May 2006
Capacity building partners call for support for development of national pollutant registers
Third meeting of UNECE Working Group on PRTRs opens 17 May 2006, in Geneva
3 May 2006
Education for Sustainable Development featured at 14th session of Commission on Sustainable Development
CSD-14 to review Agenda 21 implementation among other cross-cutting topics
3 May 2006
Argentine-based NGO successfully employs Aarhus Convention access to information rights
Finland responds to Latin American group's request for export credit information
25 Apr 2006
Aarhus and Espoo Conventions cited in international award for grassroots activism
Ukrainian activist wins 2006 Goldman Environmental Prize for her efforts to protect the Danube Delta
12 Apr 2006
EU alters GMO assessments to satisfy resistant Member States
Action aims to improve scientific consistency and transparency for GMO decision-making
12 Apr 2006
Pace of work accelerates on Protocol on PRTRs
Governments, NGOs weigh in on PRTR Protocol's future compliance mechanism and rules of procedure in advance of Working Group on PRTR meeting
10 Apr 2006
Consultation plan on PPIF outreach agreed by Aarhus Parties
Working Group debates approach to international forums
10 Apr 2006
Applications to new pilot projects linked to sound chemicals management
Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers could play role in national SAICM implementation
30 Mar 2006
Working Group of the Parties to the Aarhus Convention to convene sixth session on 5 April
Session to review proposed long-term strategic plan for the Convention and public participation in strategic decision making
27 Mar 2006
What does the bird flu teach us about transparency?
UNECE Division Director suggests democracy provides antidote against fear of pandemic
17 Mar 2006
International group convenes to discuss coordination of PRTR development globally
IGOs are set to attend the first meeting, being hosted by the Belgium Ministry of Environment and the Flemish Environment Agency
17 Mar 2006
International Conference "Power, Poverty and Sustainability" looks at public's role in environmental impact assessment
Stavanger Conference will examine forms of impact assessment and public participation in decision making
14 Mar 2006
Nominations open for SAICM national focal points
Policy framework for international action on chemical hazards was adopted in Dubai in February 2006
14 Mar 2006
Environmental justice offers new approach to engaging urban communities
London 21 seminar series opens on 23 March 2006
at The Windeyer, University College London, Cleveland Street, London, W1T 4JF
14 Mar 2006
Biosafety Protocol COP-3 opens
Third meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Biosafety Protocol to be followed by eighth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, 20-31 March 2006.
13 Mar 2006
OSCE Office helps open Aarhus environmental information Centre in Armenia's Tavush province
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
1 Mar 2006
European Community ratifies the Kiev Protocol on PRTRs
Protocol set to be implemented across 25 European Union countries
27 Feb 2006
China issues first official document on public involvement in the environmental sector
State Environment Protection Administration releases guidelines on public participation in environmental impact assessment
23 Feb 2006
Training for entrepreneurs on Protocol on PRTRs offered in Almaty
27 February event aims to raise awareness about the protocol among the business community as step towards developing a national register on pollutant release and transfers
11 Feb 2006
EU funds environment in municipalities across borders
TCAS aims to improve cooperation with governments and NGOs; proposals on access to information also to be considered
10 Feb 2006
Luxembourg becomes the first to ratify the Kiev Protocol on Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers
Ratification comes in wake of new EU regulation creating European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR)
2 Feb 2006
MEPs strengthen public access to environmental policy-making
The European Parliament has amended a Council decision to improve access to information and public participation in EU environmental decision-making, but refused to give NGOs the right to take member states to court
31 Jan 2006
Court settlement opens door to information on climate change impacts of export credits
Case challenged limits on public access to environmental information
27 Jan 2006
Greece ratifies the Aarhus Convention
Ratification will raise the total number of Parties to the Convention to 39
26 Jan 2006
Task Force on Access to Justice explores Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms
Task Force to emphasize practical focus of its work on justice
24 Jan 2006
Will 2006 Conference: Trade Unions Agree Action on Environment with Key UN Bodies
Ratification and implementation of key conventions and instruments, working with civil society allies among fields of work approved by Trade Union Assembly
23 Jan 2006
New environmental performance index tracks core set of environmental outcomes by country
Pilot 2006 EPI to be formally released at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum on 26 January 2006.
11 Jan 2006
Complete set of Aarhus Convention national implementation reports now available
Reports published on Convention's website in English, French, Russian and national languagues
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