Education, awareness and access to information are key determinants of how meaningfully the public is involved in decision making processes, ultimately influencing the direction of development and environmental protection. Public participation is integral to sustainable development and conservation, which the Carpathian Convention recognises.

Article 13 of the Carpathian Convention seeks to guarantee policies that require public participation in implementing the Convention through decision making opportunities. In order to realize such, the public must first be aware of such opportunities and the activities of the Carpathian Convention. Thus, increasing environmental education, awareness and access to information on the protection and sustainable development of the Carpathians through curricula and programmes are necessary prerequisites. All of civil society must be involved in joint efforts: national governments, local authorities, businesses, NGOs, journalists, scientists, teachers and students.