Introduction
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the world’s largest regional security organization with 57 participating States, promotes stability, peace and democracy in its area through a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects.1
Recognizing a close connection between the environment and security, the OSCE aims to strengthen co-operation on environmental issues as part of a broader effort to prevent conflict, build mutual confidence and promote good neighborly relations.
The contribution of the OSCE in addressing these issues includes good environmental governance, a tool to achieve sustainable development and environmental protection. OSCE participating States have committed to promoting good environmental governance, including through the Aarhus Centres, in various documents, starting with the 1999 Istanbul Charter for European Security. Since then, participating States have underscored the importance of processes and institutions for providing timely information about economic and environmental issues of public interest (OSCE Maastricht Strategy 2003); of raising awareness of the potential impact of environmental challenges on security (Madrid Declaration on Environment and Security 2007); and of engaging Aarhus Centres in improving the environmental footprint of energy-related activities (Ministerial Decision 05/13) and in disaster risk reduction (Ministerial Decision 06/14).
The OSCE works closely with its participating States and other intergovernmental organizations for the implementation of crucial Multilateral Environmental Agreements like the UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention).
Aarhus Convention OSCE link
The Aarhus Convention, adopted in 1998, consists of three pillars that address democratic governance in the environmental area:
– the right of citizens to receive environmental information from public authorities;
– the right of citizens to participate in the preparation of plans, programmes, policies, and legislation that may affect the environment;
– and the right of citizens to have access to review procedures when their rights of access to information or public participation in environmental matters are violated.
In support to the participating States in implementing the Convention, the OSCE has been supporting the establishment and operation of “Aarhus Centres” (known as “Public Environmental Information Centres” in some countries) since 2002.
The Centres can be established within either government (e.g. Ministries of Environment, local authorities) or non-governmental entities (e.g. NGOs, environmental associations).2 Starting in Yerevan, Armenia, the geographical scope of the Aarhus Centres’ network continues to expand today, with dozens of Centres established in South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
Aarhus Center’s role
The Aarhus Centres play the multiple role of raising public awareness on environmental issues, disseminating environmental information, helping citizens exercise their rights on environmental matters, and assisting governments in implementing the Aarhus Convention. They also serve as a platform to engage citizens, governments and private sector in addressing environmental challenges.3
In line with the pillars of the Aarhus Convention, the Aarhus Centres are actively involved in:
– Access to information: dissemination of environmental information, publication of material on Aarhus Centre websites, translation of international documents into national languages, publication of brochures that explain environmental issues in a way understandable to the wider public, preparation of targeted information for various vulnerable groups, dissemination of information on draft legislation and other policy documents for input and feedback by NGOs or citizens, organization of public hearings;
– Public participation and stakeholder dialogue: organization of awareness raising campaigns, environmental monitoring, holding roundtables, involvement in the development of legislation and policies and in environmental impact assessment procedures, engaging vulnerable groups (youth, women, rural population, etc.) in targeted activities;
– Access to justice: provision of legal advice to citizens and NGOs on environmental matters;
– Capacity building: provision of training courses for NGOs and civil society groups as well as for disseminators (teachers, journalists) and other interested audience on the Aarhus Convention and other environmental topics.4
According to their geographic location, political climate of the country, local needs and specific capacities, the Aarhus Centres can work on different topics and thematic areas, such as sustainable development, green economy, water resources management, disaster risk reduction, climate change, urban and hazardous waste management, environmental impact assessment, gender mainstreaming, eco-journalism, youth empowerment, etc.
The work of Aarhus Centres in these areas can provide a touchable contribution to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in participating States. Furthermore, the Centres can be and have been actively involved in the implementation of other relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements, like the Espoo Convention on the on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context and its Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment (thanks to the experience of the Aarhus Centres in the organization and conduction of public hearings and public consultations, which make them well-positioned to support the implementation of these international treaties), the Water Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the Convention on Biological Diversity, etc.
Thanks to their increasing engagement at international level and their role in enhancing transboundary environmental co-operation, the Aarhus Centres help building trust and confidence within and across borders, therefore contributing to strengthening stability, peace and security across the OSCE area.
Impact Stories from the Aarhus Centres Network
EcoContact Aarhus Centre (Republic of Moldova): Advancing Access to Justice and Protection of Environmental Defenders5
The EcoContact Aarhus Centre has developed a practical, legally grounded model for strengthening environmental democracy in the Republic of Moldova, with particular emphasis on access to justice and the protection of environmental defenders. Established in 2013 with the support of the OSCE, the Centre functions as a strategic program direction within the Public Association EcoContact, enabling strong institutional sustainability and long-term impact.
A core element of the Centre’s work is the provision of legal assistance to individuals, communities, activists, and civil society organizations facing environmental challenges. The Centre offers legal consultations on environmental violations and procedural rights under environmental legislation. Based on these consultations, it prepares formal submissions to competent authorities – including the Environmental Protection Inspectorate, local public authorities, and the National Food Safety Agency – requesting investigation, enforcement measures, sanctions, and preventive action.
Through this assistance, the Centre has supported cases related to access to natural resources, protection of the right to clean air, peaceful enjoyment of property, and community rights affected by unlawful construction activities. One notable case involved a woman whose access to local grazing land was unlawfully restricted by a business operator. After facing physical assault and insufficient response from local authorities, she pursued legal action with the Aarhus Centre’s support and successfully defended her rights in court.
The Centre’s experience also highlights the growing risks faced by environmental defenders and environmental institutions. Environmental inspectors have been physically attacked while performing official duties, and environmental NGOs have faced court harassment following investigations into environmental violations, including medical waste management practices. These cases demonstrate that defending environmental rights may expose individuals, civil society actors, and even public officials to intimidation, retaliation, and abusive legal pressure.
Recognizing that environmental defenders often protect collective interests while defending personal rights, the Centre advocates for broader recognition and protection of environmental defenders, including community members safeguarding their own environmental rights.
Through legal trainings, practical guidance materials, cooperation with the Ombudsman’s Office, the EcoAlert platform, an online legal assistance request system, and legislative advocacy efforts, the EcoContact Aarhus Centre strengthens access to justice and enhances the capacity of citizens and institutions to use legal mechanisms effectively in environmental governance.
Environmental Information and Education Centre (Georgia): Strengthening Access to Information and Public Participation6
The Environmental Information and Education Centre (EIEC) of Georgia plays a central role in advancing environmental democracy by translating the principles of the Aarhus Convention into practical nationwide action. Through an integrated approach combining education, public engagement, and institutional capacity-building, the Centre promotes access to environmental information and meaningful public participation across Georgian society.
The Centre’s impact is both systemic and far-reaching. In 2025 alone, more than 6,300 participants benefited from training programs, while over 6,700 individuals took part in awareness-raising activities, public discussions, and informational meetings conducted throughout the country.
Education constitutes a defining pillar of EIEC’s work. By supporting educators and students, the Centre integrates environmental and agrarian topics into both formal and non-formal learning systems. To date, approximately 4,500 pre-school educators and more than 7,000 school teachers have received specialized training, creating a multiplier effect that reaches tens of thousands of young people annually. Lectures, seminars, and school-based initiatives foster environmental awareness from an early age and promote responsible environmental behavior.
Youth empowerment represents another cornerstone of the Centre’s approach. Initiatives such as the “Eco-Leaders School,” “Forestry School,” and the “Climate Ambassadors” program enable young people to design and implement local environmental initiatives and actively participate in community decision-making processes.
Complementing educational activities, EIEC delivers nationwide capacity-building programs for municipal representatives focused on environmental governance, human rights, and public participation mechanisms. By strengthening institutional knowledge and public engagement simultaneously, the Centre ensures that Aarhus Convention principles are embedded in everyday governance practices and contribute to more transparent, inclusive, and participatory environmental decision-making across Georgia.
Eko Forum Zenica (Bosnia and Herzegovina): Using Access to Justice to Address Industrial Air Pollution7
The experience of Eko Forum Zenica, one of the Aarhus Centres operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina, demonstrates the transformative potential of access to justice in addressing complex environmental challenges. The city of Zenica has long faced severe air pollution associated with heavy industrial activity, particularly emissions originating from the steel production complex operated by ArcelorMittal and related coke production facilities.
A significant turning point in raising national and international awareness was the documentary “The Sky Above Zenica”, which highlighted the scale of pollution and its consequences for public health. The increased visibility strengthened civic advocacy and amplified citizens’ demands for accountability and improved environmental governance.
Drawing on the principles of the Aarhus Convention, Eko Forum Zenica mobilized citizens through improved access to environmental information, public consultations, and active participation in environmental permitting procedures. By combining community engagement with legal advocacy, the organization successfully translated public concern into institutional action.
Sustained civic pressure, supported by legal mechanisms grounded in environmental rights, ultimately led to concrete results. One of the most significant outcomes was the closure of the coke plant, a major source of hazardous emissions. This milestone marked a tangible improvement in local air quality and demonstrated the effectiveness of informed citizen participation in environmental decision-making.
The Zenica case illustrates how Aarhus Centres serve as a bridge between communities and institutions. By empowering citizens with knowledge, legal tools, and participation opportunities, they help ensure that environmental governance becomes more transparent, responsive, and accountable – leading to measurable environmental and public health benefits.
Aarhus Centre Bohtar (Tajikistan): Monitoring and Evaluation mission to solar photovoltaic systems in Khatlon region
The Aarhus Centre Bohtar played an important role in strengthening community resilience and sustainable energy access through a Monitoring and Evaluation mission to solar photovoltaic systems installed in remote communities of the Khatlon region, Tajikistan. The mission was carried out within the OSCE-supported project “Addressing vulnerabilities and improving resilience in communities in Central Asian border regions with Afghanistan: natural resource management (water management and energy security)”, focusing on the Shamsiddin Shohin district.
The assessment addressed one of the most pressing challenges faced by border communities: chronic lack of reliable electricity. Many beneficiary sites – including rural schools, farms, households, and border guard posts – had either extremely limited electricity supply or no connection to power transmission networks due to mountainous terrain and geographic isolation. During winter months, schools received electricity for only a few hours per day, while several border posts operated entirely without electricity, relying on firewood and small batteries that could support only minimal communication needs.
Using a structured methodology combining personal interviews, field observations, and stakeholder consultations, the Aarhus Centre evaluated conditions across 14 beneficiary locations involving households, educational institutions, agricultural farms, and border facilities. The monitoring process not only assessed technical performance and needs but also documented social impacts of energy scarcity, including reduced educational quality, poor sanitary conditions, safety risks for border personnel, limited communication capacity, and environmental pressures caused by intensive firewood use.
Beyond technical evaluation, the Aarhus Centre strengthened participatory environmental governance by engaging local authorities, community representatives, educators, and border personnel in dialogue on renewable energy solutions. The mission highlighted how improved energy access contributes simultaneously to environmental protection, human security, education continuity, and community resilience – reinforcing the role of Aarhus Centres as facilitators linking environmental sustainability with social development in vulnerable border regions.
Conclusion
To highlight the valuable contribution made by the Centres to the implementation of the Convention, every year the OSCE hosts the Aarhus Centres Annual Meeting that brings together representatives of the Aarhus Centres, National Focal Points to the Aarhus Convention, representatives of civil society and international organizations. From discussions held in recent Annual Meetings, it has become clear that the Aarhus Centres are facing significant needs for funding to ensure their sustainability, and one of the major challenges to their proper functioning is their ability to attract financial resources from outside the OSCE. This requirement counteracts the constant decrease in funding that the OSCE is able to allocate to support them.
On the other hand, since the founding of the first Aarhus Centres, their crucial role has been evident not only in supporting the implementation of the Aarhus Convention but also in promoting sustainable development. Awareness of the importance of the Aarhus Centres has increased in the regions where they operate, as has their presence and participation in international forums and conferences, demonstrating their increased recognition by institutions and international organizations.
The coming years will be crucial in defining the future of the Aarhus Centres, both in terms of their operations and their ability to play a key role in new areas (for example, in promoting public participation in processes involving new technologies and innovations such as the use of artificial intelligence), and in defining operational models appropriate to the financial and institutional contexts in which the Centres operate (for example, the NGO-based model can offer greater independence and the ability to extend the Centres’ mandate, while the government-supported model can guarantee stability and long-term operation thanks to its institutional integration).
The support for the Aarhus Centres remains strong among civil society and relevant governmental and trans-national institutions involved in the implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements, as demonstrated by the recent establishment of new Aarhus Centres in South-Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Also noteworthy is the initiative undertaken by the MEPIELAN Centre to establish an Aarhus Centre in Greece to support the implementation of the three pillars of the Aarhus Convention in the Mediterranean region8. The involvement of MENA countries9 in initiatives related to environmental democracy would represent a further step forward in advancing environmental cooperation in an area, the Mediterranean, with profound impacts on security and stability not only in Europe but globally.
The OSCE remains committed to supporting the operation of the Aarhus Centres network, as well as the implementation of the Aarhus Convention and other Multilateral Environmental Agreements with the aim to promote good environmental governance as a key tool for a just and resilient society. However, this will only be fully achievable with the involvement of other international actors and the creation of a new paradigm of multilateralism shifting to a more inclusive system.
ENDNOTES
1 OSCE website (https://www.osce.org/).
2 OSCE Aarhus Centres Guidelines, November 2009.
3 OSCE Aarhus Centres website (https://aarhus.osce.org/).
4 J. Sehring & E. Buttanri, “The Aarhus Centres Network – 15 Years of OSCE Support to Address Environment and Security Challenges at Local Level”.
5 Contribution by Anna Cazacu, Legal Adviser, EcoContact /Aarhus Centre for Environmental Information and Consultation, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.
6 Contribution by Tamta Devdariani, Director, Environmental Information and Education Centre, Tbilisi, Georgia.
7 Contribution by Samir Lemeš, President, Eko Forum Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
8 While the geographic focus of the UNECE covers Europe, Central Asia, and North America, the Aarhus Convention is open to worldwide accession.
9 The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is a loosely defined region encompassing the Middle East (West Asia) and North Africa. While definitions vary, it generally includes countries such as Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
About the author
Christian Melis
Environmental Governance Officer, Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities
Maiya Krasnova
Project Assistant, Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities