Given the current epidemiological situation caused by the Corona virus (COVID-19) and the consequences of the same, as well as the difficulties it has caused with the usual work functioning, the Center for Environment sent a request to the competent institutions to postpone activities and processes involving public participation until the consequences of the pandemic are remedied and normal functioning of institutions is continued.
The reason for submitting this request is the difficult flow and monitoring of information, the impossibility of attending public hearings, as well as the difficulty of accessing the necessary documentation in the field of work for civil society organisations.
“Since the current measures of the Crisis managers exclude public gatherings, meetings and public presentations, it is quite logical to postpone all processes that involve public participation during the pandemic. However, we would like to point out to the authorities the need for the public to be informed in time about all changes, as well as new deadlines and sessions for the mentioned processes in which public participation is necessary “, points out the Center for Environment.
The request refers to planning, regulatory, strategic and all other important documents that are currently on public view and for which public hearings are scheduled, as well as all decision-making processes that involve public participation.
“Also, it is important to point out that institutions should define how public participation will be enabled in specific cases, but it should be borne in mind that in some cases the participation and role of local communities is very important and that the possibility of commenting electronically is not a complete procedure of public participation in decision-making processes”.
The Center says that they hope for the correct decision of the relevant institutions, so that everyone can continue to work uninhibited after the end of the pandemic, which itself has already caused a lot of damage to the citizens and institutions of our country.