The precautionary principle as a legal mechanism for strengthening participatory democracy in environmental decision-making

Abstract

The precautionary principle has been adopted in light of the growing risks that there is no scientific certainty regarding the possibility of their occurrence or the extent of the damage that may affect the environment as a result of them, on the one hand, and on the other hand, protecting the environment is the responsibility of everyone, including state, associations and individuals without exception, and accordingly, this study It aims to demonstrate the role of the precautionary principle in devoting participatory democracy for the sake of protecting the environment, by subjecting environment-related projects to an impact study, which requires the participation of members of civil society in environmental decision-making through public investigation, and this is by following the descriptive and analytical approach. However, this measure is nothing more than a formality in Algeria that does not reflect the proactive protection provided by the principle of precaution for the environment.