and evaluation system would also provide meaningful decision making and to take advantage of opportunities
assessment of performance and allow for activities to be for environmental justice.
re-directed so as to address some of the identified issues
early enough. In support of this, NEMA established a Resource Cen-
tre at the NEMA offices in Kampala. The aim was for
Enhancing access to environment the Centre to be a source of easily accessible, appeal-
information ing and authoritative information which would bring
One of the cornerstones of the information programme home to the public the concept of individual responsi-
was to improve access and use of environment informa- bility for the protection of the environment. This was
tion by the public, especially in the areas of education also part of the Government’s response to section 85 of
and research. Supporting education and research is a the Environment Act on public access to environmental
means for cultural, social and economic development. information.
It therefore follows that strategies that support these
causes will do much to improve the wellbeing of the The Resource Centre is designed as a walk-in centre locat-
people and the environment. Informed individuals are ed on the ground floor of NEMA house. It is a free public
better equipped to participate in finding solutions to service to anyone seeking information on any aspect of
everyday personal and community problems. They are the environment – school children, students, teachers,
more likely to play a meaningful role in environmental decision makers, researchers, consultants and members
The resource centre at NEMA
Photo by: Wilbur Wejuli
18 Best Practices in Environmental Information Management in Africa
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