An urgent need exists for global standards of public participation to promote sustainable development and protect basic human rights such as free speech, healthy living conditions, and access to information for decisions that affect the public, according to a new Environmental Law Institute® publication.
The New “Public”: The Globalization of Public Participation, edited by ELI Senior Attorney Carl Bruch, takes a close look at the foundations of public involvement, and regional and international institutions that advance public involvement. The book, whose release coincides with this month’s World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg, South Africa, highlights cases from Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Asia, illustrating the common need and experiences in promoting a core set of principles for public input in effective decisionmaking. The book highlights how public involvement is essential to the long-term success and sustainability of endeavors in a wide range of cultures, political systems, and levels of economic development.
“The WSSD presents an opportunity to build upon experiences in good environmental governance and to extend participatory approaches to the economic and social components of sustainable development,” Bruch said.
The report examines public participation on the regional and international levels, with a specific emphasis on environmentally sustainable development. It examines the broader foundations of public participation in governance, such as human rights and sound business practices, and outlines regional examples of promoting public involvement through regional conventions, instruments and other initiatives. Finally, the book concludes by analyzing the recent progress of international institutions and processes in promoting public access to information, participation and judicial mechanisms to resolve disputes.
The New “Public”: The Globalization of Public Participation may be ordered from ELI for $20.00 plus shipping by calling (800) 433-5120, or via email to orders@eli.org.
For more information about ELI’s Public Participation Program or the Environmental Law Institute, please contact Carl Bruch at (202) 939-3240 or bruch@eli.org, or visit our website at http://www.eli.org.