MECHANISM FOR PROTECTION OF THE RIGHT TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Abstract

The article deals with one of the key human rights - the right to environmental information as a component of the right to knowledge guaranteed by the Constitution of Ukraine. The author analyzes the legal nature of environmental information at the national and international levels, drawing attention to the inconsistency of terminology in current legislation. Particular attention is paid to the etymology of the concept of “environmental information”, its regulatory definition, structural components and significance for the formation of environmental awareness of citizens. The article argues for the need to unify terminology by enshrining a single concept – “environmental information” – in Ukrainian legislation in accordance with international standards, in particular, the provisions of the Aarhus Convention and Directive 2003/4/EC. The author concludes that it is advisable to continue the harmonization process and develop a clear legislative model of access to environmental information.