Benefits of public participation in planning

The benefits of public participation are many and it is not easy

to categories them. It is important to note that public
participation suggests direct involvement of the public and takes
place, preferably, in an open discussion with decision makers.
In general, a number of benefits can be listed like below.
  Sustainable Development
Sustainable development can be achieved only through the
involvement of all stakeholders
  Environmental Protection
Environmental issues can be addressed when valued by the
public. It is important that a party represents the interest of the
environment in the public debate. Without such a party the
environment will not be put on the agenda
  Conflict Management
Although conflicts cannot be avoided, they are made explicit in
the public participation debate. This makes conflict handling
more efficient.
  Project Understanding and Reduction of Public Opposition
The public, being the user of a system, is the only party that can
assess and valuate the impacts of (possible) measures on the
functions of a coastal environment.
  Economic Benefits
If the public is involved in the full decision making process, their
concerns may be met early on in the planning process when
changes may be easier to make, rather than late in the process
when even small changes may cost both time and money.
  Effective use of the available data in ICZM process
According to Budd (1999), public participation and consultation
is an opportunity to solicit the "hidden" knowledge of the wider
community and their key concerns.
  Other Benefits
Acceptance of the public as a valued partner in the CZM process
can inspire the co-operation between citizens, their government,
and industries that is crucial to the success of a regulatory
system