One World - Aarhus - your right to know and shape our environment (6)
What legal framework supports these rights?
The public is given the right to challenge public decisions which they feel have infringed the rights set out above; for example if a public body refuses to provide all or part of the requested information. The convention also endows citizens with the right to challenge infringements.
New legal developments
The convention is brought into effect in Malta through a number of laws, of which the most important is the Act on Freedom of Access to Information on the Environment pending approval by the Parliament.
Maltese legislation in this area is currently undergoing review with new provisions planned that will ensure harmonised implementation of all aspects of the convention.
Further information on the latest guidelines on access to environmental information, public participation in environmental decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters are available on the Malta Environment and Planning Authority website (www.mepa.org.mt).