Particular attention was also given to ensuring effective public participation in environmental decision-making processes. Participants emphasized that public participation should not be viewed merely as a process of providing information or conducting consultations, but rather as an essential component in shaping environmental policies and decisions. It was stressed that transparency, access to information, and public participation can contribute to more effective, inclusive, and sustainable environmental governance.
At the end of the meeting, the participants summarized the outcomes of the discussions and outlined the next steps of the project. They agreed to continue their cooperation through thematic online meetings to explore in greater depth issues related to public participation, transparency in environmental decision-making, energy, biodiversity conservation, and strengthening synergies among global environmental processes.։
The upcoming phases of the project will also include the exchange of experiences and best practices among the three countries, the establishment of regional working subgroups, study visits, and the development of joint policy recommendations. Within the framework of the project, a joint policy recommendations document will be prepared, aimed at improving environmental governance, transparency, and public participation, as well as strengthening regional cooperation.
One of the key upcoming milestones of the Emerald Bridge project is the organization of a joint regional event during COP17 in 2026. The event will provide civil society organizations from Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova with an opportunity to present their joint perspectives and recommendations while promoting synergies among global environmental processes and strengthening regional cooperation.