Environmental Democratic Rights and Sustainable Development: Concept, Practices, and International Lessons

Abstract

This article aims to disseminate knowledge about environmental democratic rights and sustainable development. It focuses on explaining: (1) the concept, background, and significant principles of environmental democratic rights, which are integrated from Political Science, Public Administration, Law, and Ecology; (2) the practice of environmental democratic rights as a guideline for sustainable development; and (3) lessons learned from implementing environmental democratic rights in various countries, including both successful and unsuccessful cases. This article also highlights the importance of environmental democratic rights, especially for groups negatively affected by environmental decisions, in enhancing public participation in decision-making processes related to public policy and project development. It includes recommendations for the development of democratic rights and environmental protections in Thailand to promote sustainable development. These recommendations emphasize improving related policies and laws, conducting Environmental Impact Assessments, and developing a joint decision-making model between the public sector and the people, in accordance with the principles of environmental democratic rights.