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Watchdog activities

  • 2005. július 13.
  • humusz
In 2003, HuMuSz together with a civil organisation called the Environmental Management and Law Association (EMLA) started a “watchdog” program. During this program the two organisations followed the process of some waste management investments in Hungary and tried to secure their lawfulness, transparency and competency. They assisted every party that was involved, so they helped not only the inhabitants and the non-governmental organisations, but the local governments and the investors, as well.

 In the autumn of 2003 Kukabúvár wrote about the basic problem:

 

“There is a vast number of investments in regard to waste, and apart from rare exceptions they cause much intense emotion. How are the conflicts about waste born? The more common case is that the “nasty investor” wants to build something that is either unnecessary or the area is not the most suitable. It is less common when both the planned investment and its site are unproblematic, but bad reflexes are still working. The local government reigns and does not even think of informing the population on time (before the decision is made), and of the fact that the people living there have the right to participate in making the final decision. In both cases, the most characteristic feature is secrecy. Although, local governments are obliged to inform the people, they know several methods for keeping the inhabitants away from the issues concerning them. (…) With the involvement of the public (helped with expert control) in the issues, many current conflicts could have been prevented or eased. Therefore, in managing future cases the devices of the watchdog might be sufficient. In the already acrimonious situations and in cases that are in a legally advanced phase the devices are not satisfactory. Here we would like to try mediation, another form of communication. (…) Although the program is venturing to deal with current conflicts, it is rather trying to prevent future ones. We hope that the positive examples will persuade local governments and investors that it is more beneficial for them, too, if decisions are made with the involvement of the inhabitants and non-governmental organisations.”

 

The results of the program’s first year (2003/04) were summarised in a publication. Unfortunately, at present - due to the lack of financial source and capacity – we have to suspend this activity.