PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL DECISION-MAKING: INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND FOREIGN EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Citizen participation in public administration is one of the main principles of democratic governance, and public participation serves as an important bridge between the state and citizens. This contributes to the formation of a sense of involvement in the decisions being made, strengthening the legitimacy, transparency, and effectiveness of the management system. In the context of modern global problems, in particular environmental pollution and climate change, ensuring the effectiveness of citizen participation in decision-making processes is becoming a pressing issue. This article examines the role of public participation in environmental decision-making and analyzes international standards, the experience of foreign countries, national legislation, and practice. Public participation is emphasized as an important factor in improving the quality of environmental decisions and ensuring sustainable development. The conducted analyses show weak public participation in the environmental management process, insufficient transparency, and insufficient attention to the participation of stakeholders. Based on this, the article proposes measures aimed at radically improving and digitalizing the system of organizing public hearings to expand and ensure the effective participation of citizens in environmental management, strengthening the potential and role of citizens and non-governmental non-profit organizations in the implementation of environmental control, as well as improving the system of accountability.