ABSTRACT
This chapter covers the role that public participation, access to information, and access to justice play in environmental decision-making and the administration of justice for communities and the environment in the Pacific. The chapter discusses why public participation is important in ensuring better decision-making about how resources are used or protected for communities and the environment in the Pacific. It outlines ways in which communities can participate in environmental decision-making and discusses some of the potential barriers to effective participation. The author then provides an outline of opportunities across the Pacific to seek access to information held by governments, both formally and informally. Finally, the chapter discusses the importance of ensuring access to justice for communities affected by development, including access to the courts, managing costs risks, alternative dispute resolution, and other potential tools available for holding decision-makers to account across the Pacific such as independent anti-corruption watchdogs and ombudsman’s offices.
