These recommendations are based on existing good practice and are intended as a practical tool to provide helpful guidance and to improve the implementation of the provisions of the Aarhus Convention in decision-making to: a) assist Parties when designing their legal framework on public participation in environmental decision-making; b) assist public officials when designing and carrying out public participation procedures on environmental decision-making under the Convention, and c) provide an invaluable tool through which to share expertise and good practice so as to promote participation. The Recommendations may also be of value to public, NGOs and the private sector involved in environmental matters.