Active civic participation and access to justice are key prerequisites for ensuring and protecting a healthy environment. Although the existing legal framework provides mechanisms for public involvement in decision-making processes, access to information, and legal protection, these opportunities are still not fully utilized due to insufficient awareness, limited capacities of citizens, and a lack of adequate practical support in practice.
To address these challenges, the main objective of the project is to strengthen the role of citizens by encouraging public participation in decision-making processes and ensuring more effective use of legal mechanisms for environmental protection. Through capacity building of local communities, provision of practical support, and enhancement of institutional accountability, the project aims to contribute to better environmental protection and consistent implementation of environmental legislation.
Specific objectives of the project:
To strengthen the capacities of citizens and local communities for active participation in environmental decision-making processes.
To improve access to legal mechanisms and provide support to citizens in protecting their environmental rights.
To promote greater institutional accountability through monitoring, evidence-based advocacy, and strategic litigation in cases of non-compliance with environmental legislation.
The project is implemented by the Macedonian Young Lawyers Association (MYLA) and the Center for Legal Research and Analysis (CLRA), with the support of Expertise France.
