supported by the european union’s obnova and phare programmes public involvement eia training...

SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES

Public Involvement

EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE

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PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT



*Public involvement typically occurs at these points. It may also occur at any other stage of the EIA Process

Information from this process contributes to effective EIA in the future

No EIA

Initial environmental examination

EIA required

Approved

Not approved

Redesign

Resubmit

Proposal identification

*Public involvement

Screening

Scoping

Impact analysis

Mitigation and impact

management

EIA report

Review

Decision-making

Implementation and post-EIA monitoring

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Key objectives of public involvement

Take account of views and

concerns of key stakeholders.

Ensure that important impacts

are not overlooked.

Reduce conflicts through the

early identification of

contentious issues.

Improve transparency and

increase public confidence in

the EIA process.

Obtain local input into the

design of alternatives and

mitigation measures.

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Levels of public involvement

One way communication with those affected by a proposal.

A two-way exchange of information designed to canvass the views of stakeholders on a proposal and its impacts.

A more interactive process of engaging the public in addressing the issues, establishing areas of agreement and disagreement, and trying to reach common positions.

An alternative dispute-resolution mechanism based on joint fact-finding, consensus building and mutual accommodation of different interests.

Informing

Consulting

Participating

Negotiating

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Who are the participants?

proponents and project

beneficiaries

government agencies with

responsibilities or policy

interests relating to the proposal

those directly or indirectly

affected by the proposal

those interested in the

proposal

(e.g. NGOs, the private sector,

academics, etc.)

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Principles of public involvement

The process should be:

• fair – (conducted impartially and

without bias towards any

stakeholder)

• responsive to stakeholder

requirements and input

• credible – (capable of inspiring

confidence and trust

• inclusive – (covers all

stakeholders)

• open and transparent – (steps

and activities are understood)

• relevant – (focused on the

issues that matter)

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PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT



To ensure that significant issues are identified; project related information is gathered, alternatives are considered.To avoid biases/inaccuracies in analysis; identify local values/preferences; assist in consideration of mitigation measures; select best alternative.

To consider and comment on EIA Report

To monitor the implementation of EIA Report’s recommendations and decision’s conditions.

To consult people likely to be affected by proposal.

Public Involvement in the main EIA Stages Screening

Scoping

Impact analysis

Mitigation and impact

management

EIA report

Review

Decision making

Implementation and monitoring

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PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT



Developing a public involvement programme

Determine the key issues to

be discussed.

Identify the affected and

interested public.

Select appropriate techniques

(take into account budgets

and timelines into account).

Analyse input.

Provide feedback to build

confidence and trust.

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Principles for successful application of public involvement techniques

Provide the right information at

the right time.

Allow sufficient time for review

and response.

Provide appropriate opportunities

and means for stakeholder

involvement.

Select appropriate venues, and

schedule events to suit

stakeholders.

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Common excuses given for avoiding public involvement

It’s too early in the process.

It will take too long and

cost too much.

It will stir up opposition.

The debate will be one-sided.

We will raise too many expectations.

People won’t understand.

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Public involvement in EIA:key provisions of the Aarhus Convention

Provisions of the Aarhus Convention are now fully reflected in the EC EIA Directive (following amendments introduced by Directive 2003/35/EC)

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Aarhus Convention:defining the public and public concerned

“The public” (Art 2.4) means:

• one or more natural or legal persons; and, • in accordance with national legislation or practice, their associations,

organisations or group.

“The public concerned” (Art. 2.5) means:

• those affected or likely to be affected by environmental decision-making;

• those having an interest in environmental decision-making; and• Those non-governmental organisations promoting environmental

protection and meeting any requirements under national law, which shall be deemed to have an interest.

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Aarhus Convention:key requirements for public participation

early notification in a timely and effective manner, plus elements ofthe notification document (Art. 6.2.)

reasonable timeframes for effective participation (Art. 6.3)

early public participation, when all options are open and effective participation can take place (Art. 6.4)

free access to information as soon as it becomes available (Art. 6.6)

public participation procedures allowing the public to submit comments in writing, or at public hearing or inquiry (Art. 6.8)

supported by the european union’s obnova and phare programmes public involvement eia training...

Documents

european unions obnova

south eastern europe

public confidence

eia process

main eia stages

negotiating slide

significant issues

views of stakeholders