OSCE Presence supports opening of center for environmental information in Albania

TIRANA, 13 December 2006 - An environmental information centre featuring a specialized library and an Internet facility opened today in Tirana with the support of the OSCE Presence in Albania.

The Aarhus Information Centre promotes activities on environmental awareness and protection. It offers citizens access to legal expertise and advice on how to practically implement the Aarhus Convention, which grants the public rights to access information and justice in environmental matters, and to participate in related decision-making.

"We hope that the Aarhus Information Centre will act as a link between civil society and the state, and help address Albania's various environmental problems," said Ambassador Pavel Vacek, the Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania.

The centre was created with support from the Albanian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Water Administration, and the Environment and Security Initiative for South Eastern Europe.