Access to Environmental Information in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Synthesis of Decisions Adopted by Oversight Bodies and Selected Judgements

In order to promote environmental democracy, it is necessary to strengthen access to environmental information. This right is interrelated to the other procedural rights of access to environmental participation and to environmental justice.

Access to environmental information allows people to learn about the current and projected state of the environment (including damages and impacts, both potential and real); to effectively participate in decision-making processes; and to have better tools to protect their natural environment. Additionally, access to environmental information is an enabling condition to enjoy the right to a healthy environment and other related rights, such as the right to health, food, or water.