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UNIT 3: ENVIRONMENT LAW, VOLUNTARY INITIATIVES AND PRINCIPLES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
One of the best examples of the application of public participation is in the
formal Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) process (discussed in Unit 5). Most
countries require an EIA before major development projects are finalised and
approved. The formal EIA process requires that EIA findings be compiled into a
formal ‘environment impact statement’ and made available for public consultation,
allowing interested groups to be informed about the proposed development and to
voice their concerns, suggest alternatives and consider impact mitigation methods
before the plans are finalised.
Experience with EIA shows that public participation is invaluable in providing an
opportunity for the input of indigenous knowledge on impact reduction, which
has often been more valuable than the findings of scientific assessments. Public
participation also improves dialogue between developers and local groups, and
prevents wasteful and costly conflicts from occurring later.
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