ABSTRACT
We saw in Chapter 1 that Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration 1992 enshrines the principle of citizen participation in environmental decision-making. This principle is based on the premise that participation is necessary for effective implementation of environmental laws at all levels. The White Paper, This Common Inheritance,1 explains the importance of participation in terms of responsibility: ‘The responsibility for our environment is shared. It is not a duty for government alone. It is an obligation on us all (para 1.38).’ To be effective participants, however, citizens must be well-informed and have access to accurate and reliable information as well as opportunities to present their views and to question and challenge decisions which have adverse environmental impacts. In order to exercise this responsibility citizens must therefore be granted certain rights, including access to information, the right to participate in environmental decision making and access to tribunals in order to challenge environmental decisions.
