Strengthening the Right to Information for People and the Environment

STRIPE is an important resource in countries all over the world which do not have mandatory environmental disclosure regimes that require companies to disclose the types of pollutants that are being released into air, water, and land. Currently STRIPE is being utilized in Indonesia to help local Serang communities address the water pollution from the IKPP Pulp and Paper mill in the Ciujung River. It is also being utilized in Mongolia where partners are working with two communities concerned about water pollution in the Tuul River caused by mining and poor waste water treatment. STRIPE uses the following steps to achieve its goals:

• Assess the challenges facing local communities concerned about air and/or water pollution released from local facilities
• Evaluate the legal framework of the country including the laws governing the pollution control, the public release of environmental information, as well as basic freedom of information laws
• Analyze the information that is available proactively – information that should be publically available without being formally requested
• File information requests with government agencies to obtain any further information needed on pollution emissions and permitting abd track the results
• Utilize the information gained from the above processes to develop advocacy messages and strategies that address community concerns.