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Promotion of In-country Access Reforms. Kiril Ristovski , Center for Environmental Democracy - Florozon. Introduction In-house definition before in-country promotion Reforms as a continuous process-when, and does it end? Tools and mechanisms for in-country promotion Examples
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Promotion of In-country Access Reforms KirilRistovski, Center for Environmental Democracy - Florozon
Introduction • In-house definition before in-country promotion • Reforms as a continuous process-when, and does it end? • Tools and mechanisms for in-country promotion • Examples • Recommendations
Introduction • Mission and objectives Mission:To promote and support the development of environmental democracy and to advocate environmental policy reform Objectives: - To protect citizens’ interests related to environmental rights (access to information, participation and access to justice); - To promote environmental democracy as one of the pillars of a functional democracy; - To strengthen the rule of law in environmental matters; - To promote the protection of the environment and to advocate sustainable development • TAI Membership – Macedonian leader organization since ‘08
In-house Definition Before In-country Promotion • Define access reforms (and/or the need thereof) before you promote them - Situational analysis (all-encompassing overview of policy and legislation, budgetary allocations, political will, level of public awareness, major contraventions of environmental rights, etc. ) - Recommendations and action plans (including a position on promotion) - Civil society organizations should promote the rights, obligations and the need for reforms (where Aarhus is in force the governments should also take part in promotion)
Reforms as a continuous process? When and does it end? • Reforms are not just promulgated laws, reforms are a multidimensional process - reforms should (must) start with consultation with stakeholders - reforms should (must) continue with policies and legislation that correspond to obligations and circumstances (one size does not fit all) - reforms must be “distilled” into actions by appropriate institutions and authorities (civil society needs to push and promote “the must”) - reforms mean nothing without awareness among the general public (the role and will of governments to create awareness are limited) • Promotion is not printing fliers - promotion is advocating for the process described above to be fully implemented and to be continuous
Tools and mechanisms for in-country promotion • Policy analysis function – a must in order to initiate and carry process (know what you are talking about!) • Lobbying and advocacy [a strong PR function, co-operation with politicians that are true believers in democracy (to get your issues on the agenda and in the media) and constant communication with authorities] • Public campaigns for raising awareness about all 3 pillars • Capacity building/strengthening
Examples for (successful) promotion in Macedonia • Formation of inter-ministerial body for Aarhus Convention (a result of a 150 page assessment based on the TAI 2.0 toolkit) • Public campaigns for access rights • Continuous lobbying and advocacy • Green legal office ( its work gave a clear indication for the need of reforms) • Capacity building of representatives of the judiciary branch • Capacity building of NGOs
Recommendations • QUANGOs and GONGOs are NO-GOs (independence must be assured) • Adequate financing • “Healthy” rapport with government • Strong policy functions within organizations are key • Continuous presence and visibility • Cooperation with other stakeholders, politicians (both active and retired) and the media • Regional and international cooperation
THANK YOU www.florozon.org.mk www.accessintiative.org