Further improvement of the implementation of the Aarhus convention in Malta : a review

Abstract

Th e Twinning project MT/06/IB/EN/01 “Further Institution Building in the Environment Sector” aimed at supporting the Maltese Government in improving the implementation of the Aarhus Convention on public access to environmental information, public participation in environmental decision making and access to justice in environmental matters. Th e project was carried out by MEPA as Benefi ciary Institution and the Austrian Environment Agency as Lead Member State Partner. Th e project duration was 15 months as from 16th April 2008. Th e project was co-funded by the European Union and the Maltese Government under the 2006 Transition Facility Programme for Malta. Th e project consisted of four components: • Component 1: Assessment of the current situation and development of recommendations, • Component 2: Implementation of recommendations, • Component 3: Development of guidance documents, • Component 4: Training and awareness-raising. In Component 1, the legal instruments and institutional arrangements in place for the implementation of the Aarhus Convention in Malta were assessed, and recommendations were drawn up on how to improve the existing situation with regard to public access to environmental information, public participation in environmental decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters. In Component 2, the recommendations were discussed with a wide range of stakeholders, and consequently applied in the practice, establishing an effi cient and eff ective administrative system to implement the Aarhus Convention. Amongst other measures, its implementation formulated a series of agreements between the benefi ciary and key holders of environmental information in Malta, with the aim of securing the availability, timeliness and quality of environmental data, supported by effi cient information management systems. In Component 3, guidelines were produced addressing the public authorities, the industry and the general public in Malta. Component 4 provided training for public offi cers and awareness-raising for key stakeholders and the general public. The most relevant project results are summarised in this chapter, as achieved under each Component.