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Topics: Access to Information

Extractive Industries Policy and Legal Handbook

Published: 2011

The book outlines key developments in the mining sector with particular focus on transparency and accountability in revenue management, mining taxation, mining contract negotiation, state and community participation in mining, the Kimberley Process and Marange diamonds, corporate social responsibility and generally the environmental, economic, social and cultural rights of communities living near mining areas. The book also contains information on two case study communities affected by mining operations in Zimbabwe namely; Marange and Mutoko where diamond mining and black granite mining is taking place respectively.

Booklet for Tracking Freedom of Information Requests by Communities – Guide to Request Information

Published: 2011

Freedom of Information Tracking

Complex monitoring templates including online systems have been used by civil society groups all over the world to monitor and track the results of Freedom of information requests. However communities often need a simple tool to record what has happened to their Freedom of information requests once sent to government agencies. Methods to track the date of their requests, any responses by government agencies , transfer of requests and options for appeal are all important. The Indonesian Center for Environmental Law in partnership with the World Resources Institute has developed a simple tool to help community members monitor their FOI requests. The booklet was created as part of the Strengthening the Right to Information to Improve public health and the environment project (SHRIMP – EQ) funded by the Open Society Foundation.

Booklet for Tracking Freedom of Information Requests by Communities         

Published: 2011

Freedom of Information Tracking

Complex monitoring templates including online systems have been used by civil society groups all over the world to monitor and track the results of Freedom of information requests. However communities often need a simple tool to record what has happened to their Freedom of information requests once sent to government agencies. Methods to track the date of their requests, any responses by government agencies , transfer of requests and options for appeal are all important. The Indonesian Center for Environmental Law in partnership with the World Resources Institute has developed a simple tool to help community members monitor their FOI requests. The booklet was created as part of the Strengthening the Right to Information to Improve public health and the environment project (SHRIMP – EQ) funded by the Open Society Foundation.

Adaptation: Rapid Institutional Analysis (ARIA) – Bolivia

Published: 2011

This report summarizes the current state of readiness and transparency in Bolivia in climate change adaptation policy.

The report summarizes findings from national-level policy and special efforts made in food security.

The report finds that many of the official government decisions have only covered the range of possibilities in a partial way. Public participation and transparency have been applied in a very limited way (by invitation only) and the legal framework in Bolivia allows very little enforcement or public oversight of climate-relevant decisions.

Co-authoring organizations include Reacción Climática and Fundación Ecosofía.

Strengthening the Right to Information for Public Health and Environmental Quality

Published: 2011

This power point presentation describes the SHRIMP -EQ Project -Strengthening the right to information for public health and environmental quality. It features our partners Indonesia Center for Environmental Law and Thailand Environmental Institute. The project uses Freedom of information laws to obtain data on pollution control processes in relation to air and water in the two countries. It encourages governments to begin to release information proactively instead of reactively. Community groups in

Indonesia – Tubanan village, Central Java affected by the Tanjung Jati B coal Steam fired power plant ( AIR)

Pontang village, Serang, Banten. Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper (IKPP) (WATER)

Thailand – Nong Fab and Clong Num Hoo in Map ta Phut

are being capacitated to use their right to information to access information to promote accountability of government and private sector companies. Secrecy is prevelant in many countries about air and water quality data. Weak monitoring and enforcement mandates prevail. SHRIMP -EQ aims to change this dynamic and bring change on the ground to these communities.

Rio +20: The 5Q Campaign         

Published: 2011

Twelve Responding Governments

Attached you will find a full write-up of the responses from the responding governments.

Governments who responded:

  • Argentina
  • Bolivia
  • Cameroon
  • Costa Rica
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Gabon
  • Hungary
  • Ireland
  • Latvia
  • Madagascar
  • Mexico
  • Peru
  • Thailand
  • Venezuela

Governments contacted, no response:

  • Benin
  • Chile
  • Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
  • India
  • Jamaica
  • Macedonia
  • Malawi
  • South Africa
  • Sri Lanka