The indicator measures to which extent the states consider appropriate ways of ensuring, at an appropriate stage, public input into the preparation of legally binding rules that might have a significant effect on the environment and into the preparation of policies, plans and programmes relating to the environment.

This indicator is an arithmetic average of expert answers to questions on a scale from 0 (worst) to 3 (best): (13.1) To what extent does the law require opportunities for public input at an appropriate stage during preparation of legally binding rules (rule-making or preparation of subsidiary legislation, regulations, etc.) that might have a significant effect on the environment?; (13.2) To what extent do the laws concerning environmental impact assessments, pollution control standards and permits, forest concessions, extractive industries, protected areas and terrestrial biodiversity, and environmental policy-making require the State or state agencies to provide opportunities for public input at an appropriate stage of the preparation of policies?; (13.3) To what extent do the laws concerning environmental impact assessments, pollution control standards and permits, forest concessions, extractive industries, protected areas and terrestrial biodiversity, and environmental policy-making require there to be opportunities for public input at an appropriate stage of the preparation of plans relating to the environment?; (13.4) To what extent does the law require there to be opportunities for public input at an appropriate stage of the preparation of programs relating to the environment?