Public participation in environmental governance: Reflections on MENR Public Council meeting in October 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.68210/jgeor.a88Keywords:
public participation; environmental governance; public councils; Azerbaijan; Aarhus ConventionAbstract
This commentary reflects on the 15 October 2026 meeting of the Public Council under Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. Based on the meeting account, it outlines the Council’s review of recent activities, discussion of priorities for late 2026 and 2027, and proposals for further dialogue with ministry bodies. The meeting is considered in light of Azerbaijan’s Law on Public Participation, the Aarhus Convention and international open-government guidance. The commentary argues that public councils contribute most effectively when community concerns and local monitoring are translated into documented proposals, institutional responses and publicly accessible follow-up. It offers an agenda for strengthening environmental participation rather than presenting new empirical research or an assessment of policy impacts.
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References
OECD. (2022). OECD guidelines for citizen participation processes. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/f765caf6-en
Republic of Azerbaijan. (2013). Law on Public Participation (No. 816-IVQ, 22 November). https://frameworks.e-qanun.az/26/f_26879.html
United Nations. (1998). Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention). https://unece.org/environment-policy/public-participation/aarhus-convention/text
United Nations. (n.d.). Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal16
United Nations Treaty Collection. (2026). Status of the Aarhus Convention (accessed 20 October 2026). https://treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetails.aspx?chapter=27&clang=_en&mtdsg_no=XXVII-13&src=TREATY
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