General Purposes

About this grant

This grant will enable Green Circle to encourage public participation in decisionmaking through a network of environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) throughout the Czech Republic. Since the Czech Republic’s accession to the European Union (EU), local NGOs have been able to work on various committees to address environmental policies and have had better access to decisionmakers. In order to make the most of the new opportunities presented by EU membership, there is a vital need to increase civic participation in shaping public policy on environment.Multiyear funding will support a platform of environmental NGOs, a legislative center and an information center. The goals of the platform are to improve communication among environmental NGOs; include representatives of NGOs in decisionmaking bodies; cooperate with other NGO platforms; and enhance the ability of environmental NGOs to implement joint activities. The goal of the legislative center is to promote the participation of the general public as well as NGOs in the creation of policies affecting the environment. The goal of the information center is to raise awareness among politicians, public authorities, NGOs and the public about their civic responsibilities for a healthier environment.Green Circle was established to strengthen civic participation in the protection of the environment.