The Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) will launch its “Access to Information Week” campaign on September 28, highlighting the critical role transparency plays in protecting the environment, preparing for disasters, and building public trust.

The campaign, which coincides with International Access to Information Day and runs until October 5, will emphasise how freedom of information can be vital in the era of climate change.

“Freedom of information has the potential to be a matter of life or death,” said ORG Executive Director Matt Aubry. “The Bahamas is one of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world. Having the information we need to judge those risks – whether it is expected climate patterns or the environmental impacts from projects – lets us know what dangers we face, and how our actions might make them worse.”

ORG said the initiative is especially timely after The Bahamas signed the Escazú Agreement in June, committing the country to ensure environmental information is accessible while strengthening public participation and protecting environmental defenders.

“If we are committing internationally to ensuring information is accessible, we should follow that up with action here at home,” said ORG senior manager Vanessa Bethel. “It is a matter of trust – the more transparent a government is, the more likely people are to have confidence in the decision-making process.”

Through the week-long campaign, ORG will push for full enactment of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), passed in 2017 but still not implemented. The organisation said it will use media and digital platforms to spotlight how access to information underpins resilience, sustainable development, and accountability.