Experiencia del RETC en ChileJunio, 2009 TERRAM’S EXPERIENCE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PRTR IN CHILE Paola Vasconi Reca Environmental Programme Coordinator TERRAM Foundation

Experiencia del RETC en ChileJunio, CONTEXT The state of the environment and environmental management in Chile has improved since the early 1990s. However, the current environmental challenges faced by the country have generated consensus on the need for a new institutions and new management tools. Economic growth has generated and continues to cause a high level of environmental pollution. Citizens are increasingly concerned about the impact of pollution on human health and the environment. Citizens do not have access to information on chemical emissions and transfers that can pose a threat to health and the environment.

Experiencia del RETC en ChileJunio, CONTEXT Agenda 21, signed at the Rio Conference in 1992, establishes that the best way to address environmental problems is through the participation of all citizens. Since then, there has been a global trend towards citizens having appropriate mechanisms that ensure access to information on environmental issues. Access to information and citizen participation in decision-making on environmental issues This has driven the development of Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTR) at the global level.

Experiencia del RETC en ChileJunio, One of the characteristics that distinguishes PRTR’s from other information tools (reports) on hazardous substances is the involvement of civil society in its design, management and use, allowing it to participate in pollution prevention and environmental management. The early involvement of civil society is fundamental to ensure accessibility to and effective use of the Register. Moreover, the PAC adds legitimacy and transparency to the design process and to the Register as a tool for environmental information. The PRTR constitutes a space for dialogue, research and management related to the release and transfer of pollutants, in which the community participates alongside governmental and business sectors. IN THIS CONTEXT, WHAT IS THE ROLE OF NGOS AND CITIZENS? WHAT HAS BEEN TERRAM’S EXPERIENCE?

Experiencia del RETC en ChileJunio, There are organisations, groups and individuals within civil society dedicated to observing and seeking to promote the quality of the environment through various means of preventing pollution caused by the release and transfer of pollutants. These organisations have a range approaches, including: - Design and proposal of public policies -Monitoring of commitments on prevention or mitigation of pollution made by the government and/or industry (e.g. RCA monitoring) -Prevention and planning of emergency response -Scientific research -Awareness-raising and education on the environment -Mediation and conflict-resolution -Transfer of information to the public -Confrontation -Denouncement

Experiencia del RETC en ChileJunio, TERRAM’S EXPERIENCE In 2003, invited by CONAMA to hold the first workshop on the incorporation of civil society in designing the PRTR Creation of the First PRTR Glossary Invited to be part of the National Coordinating Group for PRTR Part of the group that conducted a study tour in USA NGO perception of the PRTR website Design of the Citizen Training and Outreach Strategy Launching of the first PRTR report in Chile.

Experiencia del RETC en ChileJunio, Role of NGOs in the Implementation and Use of the PRTR Claim and use the right to information (information culture) Know the sources of information and mechanisms for accessing them Training in environmental matters (gravity, danger, toxicity, etc. of pollutants) Know and use the PRTR Demand participation in the evaluation and monitoring of the operation of the PRTR Participate in environmental management. Pass from denouncement to elaboration of concrete, viable and dedicated proposals

Experiencia del RETC en ChileJunio, Role of NGOs in the use of the PRTR Scientific and communication capacity Education Social Management

Experiencia del RETC en ChileJunio, SCIENTIFIC AND COMMUNICATION CAPACITY NGOs have an enormous scientific and communication capacity necessary for achieving ambitious objectives such as those set in international agreements on pollution prevention. As the government’s environmental monitoring requirements and controls become more stringent, the faster the quantity of information, and difficulties in managing it, increase. Often, the human and material resources available are insufficient for keeping the control procedures updated and there is little capacity to process data for analysis and scientific research.

Experiencia del RETC en ChileJunio, Scientific and Communication Capacity Public access to data on pollutant release and transfer allows a wide range of actors (activists, teachers, experts, academics, opinion leaders) to contribute to the analysis and interpretation of data and generate new perspectives and contributions to political, social and technological solutions for problems identified in the process. This facilitates linkage between the government, academic institutions, health professionals, environmental groups and industry, and promotes greater coordination for the establishment and implementation of guidelines on pollution prevention and reduction.

Experiencia del RETC en ChileJunio, EDUCATION There are also NGOs that can carry out training and education of workers and the public, which is indispensible for interpreting and responding responsibly to the conditions of pollution prevention. Knowledge of the types, quantities, potential risks and prevention of potential exposure to dangerous substances will facilitate the cooperation of workers, professionals, planners and the general public in identifying and responding to possible environmental health problems. The role of educators in this area is fundamental to cultivating responsible citizenship responsiveness of citizens to policies for pollution prevention.

Experiencia del RETC en ChileJunio, SOCIAL MANAGEMENT There are also organisations that act as intermediaries in conflict-resolution between industrial facilities and their neighbours. These groups generally have or are assisted by experts in environmental law, industrial engineering and community service, who act as interlocutors to resolve the conflict between businesses and neighbours who are affected or concerned by emissions or discharges. This is achieved through agreements to improve the environmental conditions in question, without the intervention of the authority. In countries with limited staff, these groups successfully promote positive changes whilst avoiding major financial costs to governments or businesses.

Experiencia del RETC en ChileJunio, Requirements for Effective Citizen Participation in PRTR Regulation of the right to information and reporting requirements. Hazardous substances subject to reporting (including potentially polluting substances that are not regulated). Specification of data by establishment and by substance. Compatibility and uniformity of data. Decentralisation of information. Wide social communication. NGO and citizen participation in PRTR monitoring.

Experiencia del RETC en ChileJunio, Challenges faced by NGOs 1.Training on technical aspects, especially related to hazardous substances, types, characteristics, effects, etc. and management and distribution of technical information electronically. 2.Strengthening participation, dissemination and training of citizens in the management and use of information contained in the PRTR. 3.Learn from the experience of other countries and their NGOs, especially the use of information collected for the protection of public health and the environment. 4.Invest more time and effort in promoting the right to information and public participation in decision-making processes on environmental and health issues, create forums for broader citizen participation and discussion. 5.Promote a citizenship that is more informed and active in the environmental management of the country (e.g. citizen audit).

Experiencia del RETC en ChileJunio, 2009 TERRAM’S EXPERIENCE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PRTR IN CHILE Paola Vasconi Reca Environmental Programme Coordinator TERRAM Foundation