The foundation of environmental democracy was established in Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration (1992 Earth Summit). It emphasizes that environmental issues are best addressed with the participation of all concerned citizens at relevant levels. Public authorities must provide access to environmental information, enable participation in decision-making, and ensure judicial and administrative proceedings for redress.
Youth for Green Communities (YGC) defends the three critical pillars of environmental democracy.

Transparency: The right to freely access environmental information, promoting openness to ensure citizens, civil society, and media can hold governments accountable.

Participation: Citizens, especially those most affected, must have a voice in environmental decision-making to ensure legitimacy and equitable policies.

Justice: Access to legal mechanisms for enforcing environmental laws and obtaining redress ensures governments act as effective environmental stewards.

Create knowledge-sharing platforms to minimize extractive sector impacts on communities.
Advocate for adherence to laws and promote community-responsive benefit-sharing arrangements.
Amplify Ugandan community voices in regional and global governance discussions.
Foster responsible extractive industry development through capacity-building and coalition efforts.

The rapid growth of Uganda’s extractive sector has reshaped socio-economic and environmental landscapes. Negotiations often exclude community voices, prioritizing corporate power over social justice.
YGC’s program seeks to:

YGC champions inclusive decision-making, ensuring youth, women, and vulnerable groups—often excluded—can meaningfully participate. These groups face the most significant impacts from decisions made without their involvement.
This program focuses on:
Promoting human rights.
Mainstreaming gender considerations.
Encouraging inclusive participation in policies and programs.