International Environmental Issues
Access to Environmental Information
The Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 EISRs
EU Directive 2003/4/EC
These regulations (SSI 2004 No 520) transpose in Scotland from January 1, 2005 the EU Directive 2003/4/EC on access to environmental information and the corresponding provisions of the UN Aarhus Convention. The regulations have much in common with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 which came fully into effect also on January 1 2005.
They are available from The Stationery Office (TSO) and may also be viewed on its website.
The updated version of the Executive's Guidance on the EISRs 2004 for Scottish Public Authorities and Interested Parties is now available.
The Code of Practice for Scottish Public Authorities, in consultation with the Scottish Information Commissioner, as required by the Regulation 18, was laid before the Scottish Parliament on July 6 2006 and has now been published.
Public Participation in Certain Environmental Matters
EU Directive 2003/35/EC on public participation in environmental matters updated public consultation requirements in respect of permits under the Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) regime, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and plans and programmes on air quality, nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs) and waste management.
Under the changes environmental NGOs are to be included with those who can participate in the processes under PPC and EIA.
Transposition on PPC, air quality, NVZs and waste management was completed in 2005.
Comparable transposition into certain EIA regimes was made at the end of 2006.
'LIFE Plus' Funding (the EU Financial Instrument for the Environment)
The EU Commission has proposed restructuring funding of work underpinning environmental policy as ' LIFE Plus'. From 2007-2013 funding would be delegated to Member States within a framework of plans agreed with the EU. Negotiations are continuing as at the end of 2006.
Environmental Liability Directive
Directive 2004/35/EC on environmental liability provides arrangements for prevention and, where necessary, restoration of damage by certain operations to land, water and biodiversity. A public consultation on transposition arrangements is being held from January to March 2007 in Scotland (and separately in England, Wales and Northern Ireland). Comments and enquiries should be sent to eld.consultation@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.
British-Irish Council (Environment)
The British-Irish Council is supported by a number of sectoral councils, including BIC(Environment). A communiqué from the most recent meeting of BIC(Environment) is available.
A report of the Council's work in 1999-2003 was published in 2004.
Regional Links
The Executive has co-operation agreements with a number of European regions. Of interest to the environment are links with Bavaria and Catalonia and a long-established link with the Vastra Gottaland region of Sweden. Current work is focused largely upon implementing the Action Plan agreed with the Free State of Bavaria in May 2005.
General European Environmental Issues
The International Team deals also with routines related to the EU 6-month presidencies, quarterly Environment Councils and a range of EU and Scottish environmental interests and networks.
Environmental Courts - Experience in Other Countries
Under the Partnership Agreement the Executive is committed to considering the case for environmental courts. This paper gives information on the experience of such courts in other countries.
Contact
International Team
Waste and Pollution Reduction Division
Environmental Quality Directorate
Scottish Executive
1-H Bridge
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ
Telephone Enquiries: 0131 244 7034