The Chair of the Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Committee, Maia Bitadze participated in the Knowledge Exchange Session on Environmental Democracy Principles, Open Government Partnership and Aarhus Convention.

The session aims at the overview of the main environmental democracy principles and the steps taken by Georgia in this direction.

The attendees discussed the plans of Georgia and dwelt on the facilitation of further enhancement of the environmental democracy.

“Let me note that Georgia, during the last 10 years, has taken immense steps in the perception of the essence of the environmental democracy. The improvement of access to environmental information and obligation on its proactive promotion by the state structures is the result of the enhancement of the environmental democracy basics. We have also accessed some international agreements directly or indirectly facilitating the development of environmental protection, which is a good example that a couple of years ago, during the CoE presidency, Georgia has named environmental democracy and human environmental rights as the priorities. I am glad that, backed by the British Government, the Georgian Parliament undertakes the project envisaging the thematic inquiry, although with the adjoining direction, though still ensuring the civic engagement at a high level. I hope, our plans will allow committing more positive deeds to be finally reflected in the legal changes. It is also important to ensure the environmental practical remedies and change of our behavior at a Governmental level and in the society”, - M. Bitadze stated.

The session is hosted by Courtyard Marriot Hotel organized by the British Embassy and WDF.