(PS: Its a copied piece from a lecture note) Stakeholder Consultation and Public Participation
7.4.1 Introduction
Public participation is a vital component in successful EIA systems and specific EIA studies. It is a process that encourages, enables and engages the stakeholders and affected communities. It offers them an opportunity to express their interests and concerns about the project and environmental aspects. It helps to ensure quality. comprehensiveness, and effectiveness of EIA report. Different terms have been used to describe this aspect of EIA, for example,consultation,participation, and public hearing as per EPR 1997
Individuals, groups or organization's representing various interest groups should be involved in EIA Often, EIA provide opportunities for other experts to become involved, such as research scientists, who may be knowledgeable on aspects of the concerned locality. In total, they are often referred to as "stakeholders
There are three main types of public involvement during preparation of EIA report.
First, there is an information dissemination, wherein the proponent provides information in a proposal to the stakeholders The flow of information is with information one-way
Secondly, there are consultations exchanged between the proponent and stakeholders in two-way
During consultation, there opportunities for the stakeholders to express their views on issues related to the proposal.
However, the proponent and/or authorizing agency is not bound to take such views into account in decision making, though they may do so if they consider it appropriate.
Finally, there is participation. As the term indicates, this requires shared involvement and responsibilities. Basically, it implies an element of joint analyses and control over decision. In participatory decision-making, there is no single source of ultimate control or authority. The participating parties must discuss and reach a decision by means of an agreed-upon process.
for example, by meditation and consensus building Upon completion of the draft EIA report the project proponent should organize a meeting to discuss it, and invite concerned stakeholders at both district and local levels to attend Such a meeting is called a public hearing in the public hearing, the proponent discloses all the information contained in the draft EIA report and collects relevant comments and suggestions from local people and stakeholders, which will be incorporated into the final EIA....... The purpose of public involvement is to inform the stakeholders about the proposal and its likely effects, canvass their inputs, views and concerns, and take account of the information and views of the public in the EIA and decision making
The key objectives of public involvement are to obtain local and traditional knowledge that may be useful for decision-making:
facilitate consideration of alternatives, mitigation measures and trade-offs, ensure that important impacts are not overlooked and benefits are maximised, reduce conflict through the early identification of contentious issues. provide an opportunity for the public to influence project design in a positive manner (thereby creating a sense of ownership of the proposal).
improve transparency and accountability of decision-making; and
increase public confidence in the EIA process.
Need for stakeholder involvement.
The involvement of the "public", or often referred to as "stakeholders, is a vital component in successful EIA
Who are the stakeholders?
The range of stakeholders involved in an EIA typically includes:
the people individuals, groups and communities the proponent and other project beneficiaries;
proposal,
government agencies,
NGOs and interest groups; and
• others, such as donors, the private sector, academics etc
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Local people
who are affected by the
It includes individuals, communites/villages and traditional authorities eg. village leaders Individuals or groups in the affected community will want to know what is proposed; what the likely impacts are, and how their concerns will be understood and taken into account. They will want assurances that their views will be carefully listened to and considered on their merits. They will want proponents to address their concerns. They will also have knowledge of the local environment and community that can be tapped and incorporated into baseline data
Proponents
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Understandably, proponents will wish to shape the proposal to give it the best chance of success: Often, this involves trying to create public understanding and acceptance of the proposal through the provision of basic information. More creatively, project design can be improved through using public inputs on alternatives and mitigation and understanding local knowledge and values
