EcoContact participates in Aarhus Convention meeting of parties in Geneva: access to information as foundation for public participation

NGO EcoContact represented the Republic of Moldova at the eighth session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Aarhus Convention, held on 17-20 November 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The event brought together delegations from party states, international organizations, and civil society representatives to discuss developments in access to information, public participation, and access to justice in environmental matters.

Iordanca-Rodica Iordanov, Executive Director, and Irina Punga, Head of the Legal Program, represented EcoContact. On November 18, Iordanov, as the Chair of the Task Force on Access to Information presented the results of intersessional activities.

The presentation summarized key developments in public access to environmental information, focusing on modernizing digital data systems; transparency and clarity of product information; misinformation prevention; and improving access to information on hazardous substances and emissions.

Referring to the Task Force's activities, EcoContact’s director emphasized “access to environmental information is a fundamental condition for informed public participation. Modernizing digital tools, data clarity, and misinformation prevention are essential for the public to exercise their rights. A joint effort is needed, with more information, education, and user-friendly digital tools, so the public can access and use environmental information effectively.”

EcoContact's participation in Geneva meeting takes place in the context of its role as the host of the Aarhus Center in the Republic of Moldova, which provides support to communities, authorities, and organizations interested in information, public consultation, and access to justice in environmental matters. Through its activities, EcoContact contributes to strengthening the mechanisms for implementing the principles of the Aarhus Convention in our country, promoting transparency, accountability, and active citizen involvement in environmental protection.