EUROPEAN ECO-FORUM STATEMENT ON PRTR PROTOCOL
Statement delivered by Fe Sanchis-Moreno, TERRA, European
ECO-Forum
MOP Aarhus Convention, 21 May, Kiev
We are well aware of both the ambition and the limitations
of the Protocol. We see that when it deals with public participation rights, the Protocol
is weaker than the Aarhus Convention and it fails to include in its scope very important
issues.
However, Environmental Citizens Organisations recognise
that its implementation will be a significant step forward. We hope that all countries
will discover how useful PRTR systems can be. They provide information for the public who
surely has a right to know about pollutants and wastes and their sources. They also
provide information for authorities who are regulating companies, for governments engaged
with environmental policy, for companies themselves who are stimulated to see the benefits
of reducing wastes and using cleaner and greener technologies. The information will drive
pollution reduction.
The protocol with its annexes and hard detail – chemical
names and threshold systems - the need for monitoring equipment, estimation techniques –
may look daunting to some. But there is a wealth of experience already in our region and
elsewhere. We look forward to countries and organisations sharing this expertise,
including through the “Virtual Classroom” web site, but also we think that bilateral
programmes and support for capacity-building on PRTRs will be of huge help.
We find it hard to look at the Protocol without being very
conscious of the holes. We are well aware of many things that are not in this Protocol
despite our efforts – the use of water resources by companies for example, or the
storage of hazardous pollutants. But we will here just highlight our regret that NUCLEAR
FACILITIES are not in the scope of the protocol. There can be no justification for this.
Why should a coal burning power station report its releases of acid gases? But a nuclear
power station avoids reporting on radioactive wastes? This is hardly fair even from one
power generator to another – and to deny the public such information is a grave
injustice. We call upon governments to ensure the right to know in this area.
As I said before, we must also express our dismay that the
Protocol does not fully incorporate and reflect the RIGHTS that are set out in the Aarhus
Convention. Final compromises damaged the integrity of this. Countries that are Parties to
the Convention will still need to respect the Aarhus rights of course in relation to the
Protocol, but we hope that other countries will also join the Protocol, and embrace
principles of access to information, public participation, and access to justice despite
their weak standing in this instrument.
Environmental Citizens Organisations do believe that this
Protocol is a significant achievement. So please take a bold step and sign, and then, back
at home do ratify it and implement it rapidly.
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