The public should be given access to environmental information that the government and relevant agencies possess, in accordance with national and international laws concerning access, transparency and appropriate handling of confidential or protected information. Empowering the citizens and NGOs with information as recommended, and involving them in decision process expands the knowledge base and resources for developing laws and policies, as well as improving compliance, implementations and enforcement of these laws.
One strategy for implementing the policy of “public access to information” (which first gained international support at the 1992 Earth Summit through the Rio Declaration Principle 10 and Agenda 21) in many States around the world is through the requirement for environmental impact assessments (EIAs). Many States in the world today have EIA laws or regulations in effect; these laws require that an environmental impact assessment be completed before an action significantly affecting the environment is undertaken. The laws also typically provide for varying degrees of public involvement: from access to the impact assessment to allowing public input and commentary on the assessment before the planned action is commenced.