We want to know about…

1.The trainer starts discussing with participants about accessing environmental information and data. He/she can ask question such as: 

• Do you know how to access information? 
• What about information and data about the environment? 

• What do you usually do if you need information and/or data about the environment? 

2. After a brief discussion, the trainer will explain – through a presentation – the citizens’ rights of access to information, which are guaranteed. Main contents of the presentation: 

• Access to environmental information: 

If the information you want is not yet publicly available, you can use Directive 2003/4/EC to access it. This Access to Environmental Information (AIE) Directive provides that individuals have a right of access to certain environmental information held by public authorities. The public authority must respond within one month of the request 

Directive 2003/35/EC deals with public participation in decision-making. It provides that Member States must ensure that mechanisms are in place to facilitate public participation in environmental decisions. 

• Implementation of environmental legislation in the EU: 

EU environmental legislation applies in the same way as other EU legislation. The European Commission monitors its implementation and can take individual member states to the Court of Justice of the European Communities (EU) for incorrect implementation. 

Environmental crimes cover actions that violate environmental law and cause significant harm or risk to the environment and human health. These include illegal emissions or discharges to air, water or soil, illegal trade in wildlife, illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances and illegal transport or disposal of waste. 

Directive 2008/99/EC on the protection of the environment through criminal law was adopted on 28 October 2008. 

3. After the presentation, the trainer will start the discussion with participants on the topics explained, moving towards the debriefing