The Center for Legal Research and Analysis started with the implementation of the project “Environmental Governance Project”.
The project aims to improve environmental governance by providing practical solutions to problems through active civic engagement and expert support for important policy, legislative (particularly in criminal matters), and operational institutional changes in order to improve rule of law and environmental governance in the country.
Good environmental governance is essential in achieving sustainable development and protection of the environment. It is an important vehicle that guarantees fair distribution of the environmental quality of life among all social groups. In 2020, UK GGF funded project “Establishing Efficient and Effective Environmental Justice” implemented by the Center for Legal research and Analysis (CLRA) and the Center for Strategic Research within the Macedonian Academy for Science and Arts (MASA) established a so-called Environmental Forum, comprised of representatives of the relevant environmental institutions, CSOs, and eminent professionals. This encompassing approach in solving the regulatory shortcomings in environmental protection has been introduced for the first time, creating synergies among the scientific actors (MASA), practitioners (experts and CSOs), and institutions (MOEPP and other institutions).
Hence, this project revolves around the idea that participatory processes involving a combination of scientific approach and analytical tools are particularly useful for improving multi-level environmental governance. The project will support policy-making, legislative and institutional changes that will improve rule of law in the environment and strengthen environmental governance in the country in several areas identified by the GAP analysis and policy document developed by the GGF project implemented in 2020.
Project purpose:
Improved environmental governance standards through the establishment of judicial and regulatory norms and protocols that regulate the implementation of environmental Laws in North Macedonia.
Output 1:Established Environmental Task Force (ETF) for tackling environmental crimes on a national level by conducting an efficient and effective criminal investigation and prosecuting illegal acts against environment in front of the national courts
Output 2: Incorporate a new set of legal standards and provisions for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of investigations and crime prevention in the field of environmental protection
Output 3: Amended Organizational Act for the MoEPP for clear institutional distinction between policymakers and implementers of the environmental policies is drafted and adopted
Output 4: Increased capacities of judges and public prosecutors regarding environmental protection
Output 5: Increased role of the Constitutional Court in the constitutional protection of environmental rights
The time frame for the implementation of the project is from June 21, 2021, to March 31, 2021. The project is part of the Good Governance Fund program, funded by UK aid through the Government of the United Kingdom.