tai launch

The Access InitiativeThe Access Initiative

Global Environmental ProblemsGlobal Environmental Problems

Principle 10Principle 10

Environmental issues are best handled with the participation of all concerned citizens, at the relevant level.

“

”

Aarhus ConventionAarhus Convention

”European

Convention, but open to all

Legally binding

1998: UNECE adopted Aarhus

UNEP Guidelines on AccessUNEP Guidelines on Access

Voluntary Guidelines

Expected adoption 2010

Provides guidance to implement Principle 10

Access RightsAccess Rights

Public Participation

Access to Information

Right to a Clean

Environment

Access to Justice

What does “Access” look like?What does “Access” look like?

?

?Inclusive

Transparent

Accountable

?

Access to InformationAccess to Information

Gives people the tools to participate

Allows for informed decision-making

Promotes transparency

Public ParticipationPublic Participation

Provides a forum

Ensures voices are heard

Promotes dialogue around important issues

Provides a forum

Ensures voices are heard

Promotes dialogue around important issues

Access to JusticeAccess to Justice

Provides a forum for grievances

Ensures people are treated fairly

Creates accountability

The Access InitiativeThe Access Initiative

49 Countries

170 CSOs

Network OrganizationNetwork Organization

Global Secretariat (WRI)

Decentralized network

Three levels of leadership:

1) Global Secretariat

2) Regional lead organizations

3) National coalition of CSOs

Africa

Europe

Southeast Asia

South Asia

Latin America

Global Secretariat

(WRI)

Growth of TAIGrowth of TAIGrowth of TAIGrowth of TAI

TAI Model of InfluenceTAI Model of Influence

Close gaps in access law, institutions and practices

Governments and Int’l Institutions

CSOs

TAI assessments Advocacy tools

Flexible Research DesignFlexible Research Design

16

5 Step Action Plan5 Step Action Plan

Begin Informed Advocacy

5.

Educate public, conduct judges trainings, engage multiple

stakeholders

Publish Results 4. Work with media

Conduct a TAI Assessment

3.

Assess the extent to which laws and institutions uphold access

principles

Form an Advisory Panel

2. Scholars, government officials, members of CSOs and media

Create a National Coalition

1. Diverse civil society membership

TAI Assessment:Four Pillars

Acc

ess

to

Just

ice

Acc

ess

to

Info

rmat

ion

Pu

blic

P

arti

cip

atio

n

Cap

acit

y B

uild

ing

TAI Assessment StructureTAI Assessment Structure

Constitutional Law

Case Studies

Access to Information:

27 indicators

Public Participation:31 indicators

Access to Justice:

33 indicators

6 constitutional law indicators applied once per assessment

+General Law

16 general law indicators applied once per assessment

+

Capacity Building:

12 capacity building

indicators applied

once per assessment

What are the case studies?What are the case studies?

They study access rights “on the ground”

Access to Information Case Studies

Public Participation Case Studies

Access to Justice Case Studies

Poverty Case StudiesPoverty Case Studies

Captures the concerns of the poor

Minimum of 6 case studies Access to information (2)

Public Participation (2)

Access to Justice (2)

Poverty-sensitized indicators

Number of Case StudiesNumber of Case Studies

Required Case Types

Case Types at Researchers’

Discretion

Total Minimum

Cases

Access to Information 4 4 8

Public Participation 3 3 6

Access to Justice 3 1 4

TOTALS 10 8 18

Measuring Capacity BuildingMeasuring Capacity Building

1) The government’s ability to provide access

2) The public’s ability to access the system

3) The environment for media and CSOs

TAI OutcomesTAI Outcomes

TAI OutcomesTAI Outcomes

Future of TAIFuture of TAI

Widen Network

• Expand to new countries• Engage new partners• Continue country assessments

Deepen Advocacy

Diversify Activities

• Continue to engage in countries that have completed assessments

• Emphasize “on the ground change”• Advocate for reforms

• In countries that have completed assessments, support other activities

• Encourage action plans and better communication strategies

• New water assessment• Poverty-sensitization