This Government Decision aims to implement the obligations resulting from the Convention on access to information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters, signed in Aarhus on June 25 1998, by establishing the framework for public participation in the development of certain plans and programs related to the environment. It establishes the framework for carrying out public participation in the development, modification or revision of the plans and programs referred to in the normative acts provided in the Annex which is an integral part of this Government Decision. The public participates effectively and ahead of time, having the opportunity to document itself and submit comments, questions or opinions before making a decision, when the options regarding the elaboration of a plan or program or the modification or revision of a plan or program are still open. The public is informed by public announcement, made by any means, including by electronic means, about: (a) initiating the process of developing a plan or program referred to in the normative acts provided in the Annex or about any modification or revision of these plans or programs; and (b) the right of the public to participate in decision-making. The competent authority identifies the public entitled to participate in the development, modification or revision of the plans and programs referred to in the normative acts provided in the Annex.