Aarhus Convention implementation discussed between UN official and Commissioner

The basic provisions of the Aarhus Convention, how these are applied in Cyprus and how any shortcomings are dealt with were discussed during a meeting Wednesday between Michel Forst, UN Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders under the Aarhus Convention and Cyprus Environmental Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou. Forst is paying Cyprus a visit since Monday and met already with Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou. Speaking after the meeting with the Commissioner, he said that they discussed the situation of the environmental defenders in Cyprus and how the Aarhus convention can support the government in better protect those who are at risk. ''We had a very positive discussion with the Commissioner, receiving information of what is happening in the country , explaining our mandate and how we could further cooperate to support efforts by the government',' he said. Forst further said that one of the main conclusions is that '"we need to probably strengthen the understan ding of the main provisions of the convention, on the two mechanisms that support the Convention, that is the compliance committee through which we see how the states comply with the provisions and the other mechanism which is to listen to testimonies and complaints of those at risk." The Commissioner said that the Aarhus Convention consists of three pillars, the first two are already an environmental acquis, while the third, which is access to justice, is not European acquis and that was the subject of the discussion with the UN official. She said that she will await with great interest the report that the official will prepare and will examine it, in collaboration with the environment department, to see to what extent and in which areas she can assist in promoting this third pillar in Cyprus. Theodosiou also said that she will consider how civil society needs to be supported, either legally or practically, in their actions and goals for the environment. Replying to a question she said that her office ha s the possibility of tabling proposals for legislative changes and will consider this option. She further said that there will be a conference on Thursday during which lawyers will present cases they have before the court, any difficulties they are faced with and to what extent she could contribute with legislative proposals or regulations, or both. Source: Cyprus News Agency