Open AccessREGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCILS AS A FORM OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN COSTA RICA
Author(s) -
Daniela O. Chaves
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
interèkspo geo-sibirʹ
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2618-981X
DOI - 10.33764/2618-981x-2021-4-2-171-175
Subject(s) - public participation , context (archaeology) , natural resource , population , environmental planning , political science , geography , environmental resource management , environmental protection , public administration , business , sociology , demography , environmental science , archaeology , law
The article discusses the process of organizing the participation of the local community in environmental protection and decision-making in effective use of natural resources. The main form of public participation of the local population is described: regional environmental councils, which are organized in each administrative division of the Republic of Costa Rica. Clarified the legal framework that creates and establishes the functions of regional environmental councils as a body for the participation of citizens in environmental protection in the Republic of Costa Rica. The main directions of activity of regional environmental councils are listed. The types of council members, the frequency of meetings, and the conditions for re-election are characterized. The legal and regulatory framework governing forestry management in Costa-Rica is considered. The functions of regional environmental councils in relation to the rational management, conservation and restoration of the country's forest resources are listed. A case-study of the participation of a regional environmental council in the organization of forestry in the Talamanca region is described. Conclusions are made for the further prospects of regional environmental councils in the context of ubiquitous access to the Internet.