Can communities get the environmental information they need?
People need access to environmental information to understand decisions affecting their land, oceans, natural resources and livelihoods. Without it, meaningful participation and accountability are difficult.
In 2026,Transparency International New Zealand has undertaken pilot research in Fiji and Solomon Islands to look at how this works in practice.
The research focuses on fisheries and environmental impact assessment systems in Fiji, and mining, logging and environmental impact assessment systems in Solomon Islands. It looks at what information should be available, what people can actually access, the barriers they face, and where greater transparency is needed.
THE RESEARCH
Access to Environmental Information in Fiji and Solomon Islands
The research combines a review of laws and public information systems with stakeholder experiences and direct testing of information requests.
It finds that having information somewhere in the system is not enough. For information to support accountability, people need to be able to:
Find it -> Access it -> Understand it -> Use it
The report identifies practical opportunities to strengthen access to environmental information, including better proactive disclosure, more accessible information systems, stronger implementation of information rights, and more meaningful access for communities.
FROM RESEARCH TO PRACTICE
Rapid Assessment Tool
TINZ has also developed a practical tool for organisations wanting to assess access to environmental information in other countries, sectors or environmental contexts.
The Rapid Assessment Tool takes users through three stages:
- Desktop review – Map relevant laws, policies, institutions and public information systems.
- Stakeholder interviews – Find out what happens when people try to find and use environmental information.
- RTI/ATI testing – Submit and track information requests to test how access works in practice.
The tool includes a desktop review matrix, stakeholder interview questions, RTI/ATI tracking log and findings framework.
It can be adapted to different environmental issues and contexts across the Pacific.
Doiwnload the Rapid Assessment Tool.
WHY ACCESS TO INFORMATION MATTERS
Environmental decisions can have lasting consequences for communities, ecosystems and livelihoods.
Transparency means more than making information technically available. Information needs to be timely, findable, understandable and accessible.
Better access helps communities participate in decisions that affect them, strengthens accountability, and makes it easier to identify environmental and corruption risks before harm occurs.
