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The Aarhus Clearinghouse for Environmental Democracy supports the effective implementation of the Aarhus Convention through the collection, dissemination and exchange of information on laws and good practices relevant to the public's right to

access environmental information,

participate in environmental decision-making, and

achieve justice on environmental matters.

The Aarhus Clearinghouse also contains information relevant to the implementation of principle 10 of the Rio Declaration at the global, regional and national levels around the world.

The Clearinghouse supports the functioning of the Aarhus Convention's compliance review mechanism. It assists the Compliance Committee of the Convention with access to national implementing legislation and practices.

National Focal Points to the Convention and designated national nodes of the Clearinghouse provide information to the Clearinghouse. Nongovernmental organizations and other stakeholders may also submit information to the Clearinghouse through their national focal points or through the Aarhus Convention Secretariat.

The Clearinghouse provides information for a wide range of users, including Parties, Signatories and other states; Intergovernmental organizations; NGOs; students and researchers; and the general public. Easy access to information on how countries have implemented the Aarhus Convention can provide an invaluable source of inspiration for other countries that work on developing their own procedures, mechanisms and legislation.

The Aarhus Clearinghouse website was developed for UNECE by UNEP/GRID-Arendal with the support of the Government of Norway. It is managed by the Aarhus Convention Secretariat and hosted by UNEP/GRID-Arendal.