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Last week we discussed the right to access environmental information, and why this is crucial to sustainable development.  We also detailed a recent example of how Yonge Nawe facilitated the dissemination and understanding of environmental information in an affected rural community.

But what other ways are there for accessing information on the environmental decisions and development plans which affect you?

Statutory Public Consultations
Under the Environmental Audit, Assessment and Review Regulations 2000, documents such as Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Comprehensive Mitigation Plans (CMPs) for proposed developments must be displayed conspicuously in public places during the period of Public Review.  This is advertised in the national press at the start of the review period.

It is during this period that the general public has their greatest opportunity to affect development decisions.  Public places where documents are displayed always include the Swaziland Environmental Authority (SEA), the National Libraries in Mbabane and Manzini and UNISWA Libraries.  Additional locations could include police stations or civic buildings in the vicinity of the site of the proposed project.

Swaziland Environmental Authority Resource Centre
The SEA has a well-equipped Resource Centre at their offices (in the Income Tax building in Mbabane) that is available to the general public.  The Resource Centre is available during normal office hours and includes:

• Copies of Swazi Environmental Legislation and Policy documents;
• Copies of EIAs and CMPs for future and existing development projects;
• Environmental reference books and periodicals.

Yonge Nawe Information Services
Through her Information, Communication and Education programme, Yonge Nawe employs a variety of methods for distributing knowledge on environmental and sustainable development.  These include:

• Information Resource Centre: books, magazines, videos and internet surfing are all available at our offices in Mbabane during normal office hours;
• A website - http://www.yongenawe.com - provides information on current environmental issues in Swaziland, details of our on-going activities and useful links;
• A quarterly newsletter to update members, stakeholders and partners on our work, and to facilitate exchange of news, views and experiences;
• A mobile information service and radio programme.  These provide information to those without access to our printed information or digital resources and are particularly aimed at those in the rural areas.

We want your views on how we can improve our Information Service.  Over the coming weeks will be undertaking a survey of our members and partners on this topic.  In the meantime, if you have any suggestions as to how we can improve our Information Service, please get in touch at the address below.