1. HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

In 2001, several environmental NGOs founded the Centre for Environmental Information (EcoInfoCentre) in St.Petersburg, which since then provides various
kinds of environmental information to the public and informational-methodical support to NGOs and individual activists.
The need for such a centre grew considerably in Russia in the beginning of the 2000s because of new serious risks to the environment as a result of liquidation of the State
Committee for Environmental Protection, and increased business activities in exploiting natural resources and implementing big projects with extensive
environmental impact.
Russia has not ratified the Aarhus convention yet. Therefore, public access to environmental information is hindered. The EcoInfoCentre became an important
information resource for residents of St.Petersburg and Leningrad region. It helps people to get information on environmental and related legal issues from state
agencies, different institutions, Internet, and other sources. It also provides methodical and resource support in protection of environmental rights.

Over 5400 people got support from the EcoInfoCenter in just the first year of its operation.

The EcoInfoCentre united over 20 environmental NGOs in St.Petersburg and Leningrad region in various activities – information and nature conservation
campaigns, environmental education, legislation lobbying.

The St.Petersburg EcoInfoCentre became a very important resource for environmental NGOs, having rendered assistance for many dozens of environmental groups in St.Petersburg, Leningrad region and North-West Russia.
The EcoInfoCentre helps strengthening civil society in Russia, this goal being still very urgent in this country.