Public Participation (Consultation)

( Article Type: Explanation )

There is a growing trend worldwide that requires projects and developments to be discussed with the public, especially local communities and interested and affected parties. The purpose is to get opinions and to learn from the knowledge and experience that they possess through living in a particular area. This does not mean projects and developments are stopped by public consultation but rather that decisions and plans can be made, which are best for the largest number of people or communities. There will always be people who are disadvantaged, inconvenienced or upset by decisions because it is rare that everyone can be fully satisfied. Public consultation needs people to be responsible both in participating and also in accepting the final decision reached through negotiation and consensus.

An important part of public consultation is that people should contact their local political representatives and voice their concerns and feelings. If political representatives do not listen to the opinions and feelings of the public and communities, then they can be voted out of office at the next elections. This is the basic operating principle behind the sound working of a democracy, and also contributes towards the growing awareness and sensitivity to the importance of environmental justice.