Synthesis Report: All-island implementation of the Aarhus Convention

Abstract

This report summarises the research carried out for the project ‘Finding Common Ground: Towards All-island implementation of the Aarhus Convention’. This project set out to explore issues with allisland implementation of the Aarhus Convention and what role if any an all-island ‘Aarhus Centre’ might play in this. This was done through the preparation of draft desk-based reports on Aarhus Convention implementation in Ireland and Northern Ireland which were put out to consultation. Stakeholder consultations were held in each jurisdiction, supported by survey collection. This study shows that there are significant issues with implementation of the Convention across all areas and in both jurisdictions, but that the Aarhus Convention holds immense potential as a tool for enhancing the coherence of all-island environmental governance. An Aarhus Centre could provide a potential focal point for cross-border policy coordination as well as addressing gaps in implementation and capacity building.