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Public Involvement

EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE. Public Involvement. Take account of views and concerns of key stakeholders. Ensure that important impacts are not overlooked. Reduce conflict s through the early identification of contentious issues.

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Public Involvement

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  1. EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Public Involvement

  2. 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. Key objectives of public involvement • Improve transparency andincrease public confidence in the EIA process. • Obtain local input into the design of alternatives and mitigation measures.

  3. Levels of public involvement Negotiating An alternative dispute-resolution mechanism based on joint fact-finding, consensus building and mutual accommodation of different interests. A more interactive process of engaging the public in addressing the issues, establishing areas of agreement and disagreement, and trying to reach common positions. Participating Consulting A two-way exchange of information designed to canvass the views of stakeholders on a proposal and its impacts. Informing One way communication with those affected by a proposal.

  4. Who are the participants? • those directly or indirectly affected by the proposal • those interested in the proposal(e.g. NGOs, the private sector, academics, etc.) • proponents and project beneficiaries • government agencies with responsibilities or policy interests relating to the proposal

  5. The process should be: Principles of public involvement • 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)

  6. Public Involvement in the main EIA Stages To consult people likely to be affected by proposal. 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.

  7. Determine the key issues to be discussed. Identify the affected and interested public. Select appropriate techniques (take into account budgets and timelines into account). Developing a public involvement programme • Analyse input. • Provide feedback to build confidence and trust.

  8. Provide the right information at the right time. Allow sufficient time for review and response. Principles for successful application of public involvement techniques • Provide appropriate opportunities and means for stakeholder involvement. • Select appropriate venues, and schedule events to suit stakeholders.

  9. It’s too early in the process. It will take too long andcost too much. It will stir up opposition. Common excuses given for avoiding public involvement • The debate will be one-sided. • We will raise too many expectations. • People won’t understand.

  10. Provisions of the Aarhus Convention are now fully reflected in the EC EIA Directive (following amendments introduced by Directive 2003/35/EC) Public involvement in EIA:key provisions of the Aarhus Convention

  11. “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 byenvironmental 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. Aarhus Convention:defining the public and public concerned

  12. 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) Aarhus Convention:key requirements for public participation

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