Conducting Environmental Impact Assessment in Developing Countries (United Nations University, 1999, 375 p.): 7. EIA communication: 7.3 Communication to the public: 7.3.4 Implementing public participation

Conducting Environmental Impact Assessment in Developing Countries (United Nations University, 1999, 375 p.)

7. EIA communication

7.3 Communication to the public

		(introduction...)
		7.3.1 Factors that may result in effective public participation
		7.3.2 Overview of the roles of the public
		7.3.3 Public participation techniques
		7.3.4 Implementing public participation

7.3.4 Implementing public participation

In selecting and implementing any technique for involving the public in the assessment process, adequate consideration should be given to the following questions:

• what specific assessment objectives can be achieved by the proposed team?
• what are the key criteria (e.g., physical settings, timing, nature of target group) for the successful utilization of the proposed technique?
• what follow-up actions and related budgetary, personnel, and information resources will be required if the proposed technique is implemented?
• how can the implementation of the proposed technique be monitored to ensure the timely correction of any counterproductive conditions and tendencies?
• how can local conditions (e.g., attitudes, previous experience with public participation measures) influence the successful utilization of the proposed technique?
• what criteria can be used to ensure the most appropriate assignment of team personnel with respect to the successful utilization of the proposed technique?

The appropriateness of any type of public participation programme, and the particular skills required for the successful implementation of that programme, are largely determined by local conditions, including local attitudes and concerns, as well as by the previous experience of citizens with public participation programmes. Thus, any recommendations for utilizing a particular technique to involve public groups and individuals in the assessment process must be made keeping in view the team's knowledge of these conditions. The main features of various techniques that may be used are shown in Table 7.1. In summary, the benefits of achieving effective communication and thereby ensuring a quality public involvement programme are immense. The greatest benefit will be trust and confidence. The conclusions, even if unpalatable, will be more likely to find acceptance if the "public'' develops confidence in the work, the methods, and the objectivity and professionalism of the approach to the EIA study. In addition, a great deal of valuable information, particularly about local conditions, can be obtained and the people who actually live in an area often know it best.

Table 7.1 Techniques for communicating with the public

Number of people reached	Ability to handle specific issues	Degree of two-way communication	Public communication techniques	Inform/educate	Identify problems and values	Get ideas/solve problems	Get feedback	Evaluate	Resolve conflict/obtain consensus
2	1	1	Public hearings		X		X
2	1	2	Public meetings	X	X		X
1	2	3	Informal small group meetings	X	X	X	X	X	X
2	1	2	General public information meetings	X
1	2	2	Presentations to community organizations	X	X		X
1	3	3	Information coordination seminars	X			X
1	2	1	Operating field offices		X	X	X	X
1	3	3	Local planning visits		X		X	X
2	2	1	Information brochures and pamphlets	X
1	3	3	Field trip and site visits	X	X
3	1	2	Public displays	X		X	X
2	1	2	Model demonstration projects	X			X	X	X
3	1	1	Material for mass media	X
1	3	2	Response to public inquiries	X
3	1	1	Press releases inviting comments	X		X
1	3	1	Letter requests for comments			X	X
1	3	3	Workshops		X	X	X	X	X
1	3	3	Advisory committees		X	X	X	X
1	3	3	Task forces		X	X		X
1	3	3	Employment of community residents		X	X			X
1	3	3	Community interest advocates			X		X	X
1	3	3	Ombudsman or representative		X	X	X	X	X
2	3	1	Public review of assessments decisions	X	X	X	X	X	X

1 = low; 2 = medium; 3 = high; X = capability.