U.S.-Omani Workshops: The Role of Science and Public Participation in Environmental Law (January 27, 2008)

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is joining with Oman's Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs and the International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement to present two one-day workshops, The Role of Science in Environmental Law,” and “The Role of Public Participation in Environmental Law,” beginning January 27.  These programs are funded by the U.S. Middle East Environmental Partnership Initiative (MEPI).  The workshops will bring together environmental professionals from Oman, Algeria, and Morocco to discuss the importance of science and public participation in the formulation of environmental policy. 

These workshops build on the shared U.S.-Omani commitment to protect the environment, a dedication enshrined in the Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Cooperation, part of the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement. 

The first workshop will reinforce participants’ understanding of the role of science in the development and implementation of environmental laws and regulations.  It will strengthen their skills in basing environmental measures on scientific information.  Effective implementation of environmental laws is built upon a sound regulatory system (laws, regulations, and standards), a uniform enforcement system (permits, monitoring, and compliance assistance), and other programs which aid in the achievement of environmental goals (such as pollution prevention, economic incentives, voluntary programs, and partnerships).   

The second workshop will highlight the critical role that civil society plays in environmental law and policy.  Effective protection of the environment and public health depends on an active role and participation by the public.  The second workshop will include discussion of topics such as: why public participation is important and its role in the development of environmental laws, regulations and standards; access to information; how to involve the public in the development of environmental laws, regulations, and standards; public access to justice and enforcement of environmental laws; and the role of Non-Governmental Organizations.

Course participants include policy-makers and legal officials from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, Ministry of Health, and Diwan of Royal Court, as well as the Environment Society of Oman and private-sector participants.  The regional nature of the course will encourage informal networking among country practitioners and will be a foundation for ongoing interaction.

Working in partnership with other U.S. Government elements, with private program facilitators, and with Omani public and private partners, the U.S. Embassy in Muscat supports a range of programs reflecting the deep historic, diplomatic, and economic, bilateral ties between the United States and the Sultanate.  To learn more about U.S.-sponsored educational, cultural, and exchange programming, visit the Embassy's website at http://oman.usembassy.gov.