Freedom of Information

Policy Purpose:

This policy aims to regulate the process of requesting non-protected public information at the Environment Fund, enabling individuals to exercise their right to access information, promoting transparency and accountability principles, and ensuring compliance with freedom of information regulations issued by the National Data Management Office.

Scope of Application:

This policy applies to all individual requests to view or obtain non-protected public information produced by public entities, regardless of source, form, or nature. This includes paper records, emails, computer-stored information, audio/video tapes, maps, photographs, manuscripts, handwritten documents, and any other form of recorded information.

Excluded (Protected) Information:

This policy does not apply to the following protected information:

• Information whose disclosure would harm national security, state policy, interests, or rights
• Military and security information
• Information/documents obtained under agreements with other countries classified as protected
• Investigations, inquiries, enforcement actions, inspections, and surveillance related to crimes, violations, or threats
• Information containing recommendations, proposals, or consultations for pending legislation or government decisions
• Commercial, industrial, financial, or economic information whose disclosure would lead to unlawful profit or loss avoidance
• Scientific or technical research, or intellectual property rights whose disclosure would violate moral rights
• Information related to competitions, bids, and auctions whose disclosure would undermine fair competition
• Information deemed confidential or personal under other regulations, or requiring specific legal procedures for access

Core Principles:

Principle 1: Transparency
Individuals have the right to know information related to public entities' activities to enhance integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Principle 2: Necessity and Proportionality Any restrictions on requesting protected information must be clearly justified.

Principle 3: Disclosure as Default for Public Information
Every individual has the right to access non-protected public information without needing specific justification or facing legal accountability for exercising this right.

Principle 4: Equality
All requests for public information are handled equally without discrimination.

Individual Rights:

• Right to request access to any non-protected public information at the Fund.
• Right to know reasons for request denial (if applicable).
• Right to appeal denial decisions within 15 working days through specified mechanisms.

Key Steps to Access or Obtain Information:

• Submit request through official channels.
• Specify type of information required.
• Provide accurate personal details to facilitate communication.
• Contact the Fund via email: info@ef.gov.sa.