Tuzla gets the facts on factories In a stunning green valley bisected by a river flowing through Tuzla canton lie some highly polluting factories. Concrete cooling towers, ore smelters, and cement plants operate right on the banks of the river, polluting the air and water and, hence, posing serious health risks to the people of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The pollution also affects the nearby settlement of Lukavac. The Bosnian NGO Eko-Zeleni Lukavac believes public information is key to solving these problems. People who live in the area need to know what’s spoiling their water and air and how pollution affects their lives. This information can be used to raise general public awareness and lead toward appropriate solutions. With support from a pilot project managed by the Regional Environmental Center in partnership with Resources for the Future and New York University School of Law (and funded by GEF/UNDP via the Danube Regional Project), Eko-Zeleni Lukavac is carrying out a demonstration project designed to ensure that local residents get the information to which they are entitled under Bosnian law. The project began with a survey of area residents and interviews with government authorities. This research showed local interest in receiving regular reports and having the opportunity to make individual information requests. However, the multiplicity of authorities and layers of bureaucracy impede information flow. Moreover, the information that is available is difficult for laypersons to understand; it needs to be provided in more user-friendly language and format. After analysing the interviews, Eko-Zeleni Lukavac held a roundtable discussion and capacity building meeting on Modrac Lake from May 23-24. These events examined the problems highlighted in the interviews and survey and also raised possible solutions. One idea that emerged was to produce and disseminate a “plain language” brochure that will explain rights that citizens have to information, advise how they can exercise these rights, and give the latest news regarding local pollution. The first brochure will provide a clear picture of which authorities are likely to have water-related information, what kinds of information can be obtained and from whom it can be obtained. Industry representatives volunteered to provide a contact address for the public which will be included in the brochure along with numbers for public officials at the local, cantonal and ministry levels. A sample information-request letter will be included. Eko-Zeleni Lukavac believes the pilot project is an important first step in the process of changing attitudes. Equally important, the NGO found an important partner in local government who has indicated a willingness to seek further funding so that the process of improving communications between public officials, industry and the community will continue. For more information, contact REC Project Manager Orsolya Szalasi or Pilot Project Manager Husein Keran at Eko Zeleni Lukavac. For more coverage on the Balkan environment, see the REReP Record.

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