News

Holiday Greetings!

The 5th Anniversary of EELC!

November marks the fifth anniversary of Estonian Environmental Law Center! More exactly, it was on the second of November in 2007 when the new organisation – EELC was hatched in the nest of Estonian Fund of Nature (ELF).

During the last five years EELC has contributed to the development of the field of environmental law, both in its legislative and practical part . We have issued the monthly newsletter on environmental matters, prepared the legal analyses, organised the trainings, put together guidelines and given legal aid. In collaboration with other environmental organisations we are trying to increase the citizen participation and the transparency of environmental decision-making process.

EELC is participating in J&E 10th Annual General Meeting in Budapest

Justice & Environment (J&E), the European Network of Enivornmental Law Organisations, is holding its 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Budapest during this week; Kärt Vaarmari and Siim Vahtrus are the representatives of the EELC. The main topics of discussion will be summarizing recent developments and possible ways forward on access to justice in environmental matters.

New project on participation guidelines and legal aid

In period from March 2012 to March 2013, EELC will carry out a project “Information and counselling campaign “Know how to participate””. The project seeks to achieve better decision-making in environmental matters – one where citizens and NGOs will participate with relevant statements at an appropriate stage, enabling the environmental decision-makers to consider their interests.  The aim is to reduce conflicts and litigation in environmental matters and to improve the quality of decisions.

Toolkit for better public participation in spatial planning available

EELC has completed work on a toolkit designed for promoting public participation in spatial planning procedures, which is now available on our homepage in Estonian. The toolkit is aimed at officials in municipal governments other than larger towns and is based on a project carried out in close co-operation with two municipal governments in the Tartu area (town of Elva and Tähtvere parish).

Justice&Environment received support for its 2012 Work Plan

Justice&Environment (J&E), an association of public interest environmental law organizations in the EU, to which the EELC also belongs, has received financial support from the European Commission's LIFE + NGO Grants instrument. Support will be used by J&E for the implementation of its 2012 Work Plan.