Public participation in PPPs

This is involving those who are affected by a decision in the decision-making process. It promotes sustainable decisions by providing participants with the information they need to be involved in a meaningful way, and it communicates to participants how their input affects the decision

Benefits of Public Participation

1. Fewer conflicts and delays improve profitability for investors;
2. Governments improve decision making and secure greater transparency and accountability;
3. Public agencies and NGOs gain credibility;
4. Affected people influence the project to reduce adverse impacts, maximize benefits, and ensure appropriate compensation;
5. Vulnerable groups given special attention, equity issues considered, needs of the poor receive priority;
6. Environmental management plans are more effective.

Barriers to Effective Public Participation

1. Lack of clear regulations
2. Late involvement of the public
3. Lack of responsiveness towards participants
4. Provision of unsuitable information
5. No room for discussion between public, decision-makers and proponent
6. Attitude of participants
7. Lack of capacity on the part of participants
8. Lack of institutional capacity of government agencies
9. Poor environmental awareness of officials and proponents
10. Lack of commitment to EIA and public involvement among government officials and proponents
11. Political pressure and interference
12. Lack of trust in government institutions