Description
The project aims to preserve all the fundamental attributes of public participation - the right to information, participation in decision-making and access to justice - in connection with the planned legislative changes in 2015. We want to achieve the goal through creating of Coalition for Public Sphere from professional public representatives and systematic commenting on legislative changes, regular meetings with representatives of main political parties and key officers and activation of the general public through The Public Call for the Preservation of Public Participation.
Summary of project results
Our project was initiated as a reaction on current situation in Czech legislation, novelisation of four laws which contains rules for public participation in decision-making. We expected restriction and weakening of these rules. Therefore our objectives were to maintain good rules for public participation in these laws. But eventually only Building Code was to be novelised. We had to adapt to this situation and modify our project. Our first objective, to improve rules for public participation in Building Code was achieved partly. We didn´t did not succeeded in improving rules, but our advocacy work helped to dismiss the proposed version of Building Code which constrained public participation. We have also negotiated about new explanation of rules in EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) law presented by Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Transport. We succeeded to improve these rules so that they allow more public participation. In cooperation with VIA Foundation, we initiated an online action to appeal for fair decision-making about building projects. This action was supported by nearly 950 people and NGOs. Thanks to this support we appealed to politicians and officials to maintain good rules for participation in Czech legislation. We have also created publication “Green for public voice” with 7 examples of public participation, which led to improvement of public space. By this publication we wanted to show to key politicians, that public participation on decision-making is important and beneficial to all persons involved. We succeeded in maintaining good rules for public participation in Czech legislation. Therefore Czech public can still engage in decision-making on their surroundings. Czech public was also informed about planned changes in legislation, increased their awareness on that matter, which in some cases resulted in support of our call (about 830 individuals, who’s signed our call). We have also established good relations with politicians and officials.
Summary of bilateral results