Environmental issues are best handled with the participation of all concerned citizens, at the relevant level. At the national level, each individual shall have appropriate access to information concerning the environment that is held by public authorities, including information on hazardous materials and activities in their communities, and the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes. States shall facilitate and encourage public awareness and participation by making information widely available. Effective access to judicial and administrative proceedings, including redress and remedy, shall be provided (Source: Rio Principle 10)

In carrying out their commitments under Article 4, paragraph 1(i), the Parties shall: (a) Promote and facilitate at the national and, as appropriate, subregional and regional levels, and in accordance with national laws and regulations, and within their respective capacities: (i) The development and implementation of educational and public awareness programmes on climate change and its effects; (ii) Public access to information on climate change and its effects;[...] (Source: UNFCCC, Art. 6)

In response to a request for environmental information, make such information available to the public, within the framework of national legislation[...] The environmental information [...] shall be made available as soon as possible [...] (Source: Aarhus Convention, Art. 4)

The ability, right and permission to approach and use, or the general availability of, resources that convey knowledge. (Source: GEMET/RHW)