Public Involvement in the EIA

Process
Public Involvement

p Public participation is required to allow the affected people

to identify significant environmental and social issues.
• Public scoping

• Public consultation

• Public hearing
Public Participation in EIA

p Public participation in the EIA process is defined as a

two-way communication between the project EIA
team and the targeted and/or affected peoples.
The goals of public participation are:
p to promote public understanding and acceptance by
minimizing perceived impacts of the project through
education and open discussion.
p Use public feedback as constructive input into
improving the project design.
Importance of Public Participation

p Educating the public about a project is an essential first

step for all public participation programs. An uninformed
public cannot make educated decisions about a project.
p It is important for project proponents to realize the benefits
of public participation that are not one-sided. The
objectives of public participation encompass benefits to
the community as well as to the project.
p Public participation also may be used to help quantify the
value of non-market resources, such as religious or
historic sites, scenic and recreational areas, endangered
species, etc.
 Participatory Development
Participatory development is a process through which
stakeholders influence and share control over development initiatives
and the decisions and resources that affect them (Asian
Development Bank, 1996).
p identify strengths and weaknesses of existing policies and service
and support systems
p decide and articulate what is needed;
p decide in pragmatic terms, directions, priorities, and institutional
responsibilities;
p develop and oversee development of project policies, specifications,
blueprints, budgets, and technologies needed to move from the
present to the future project tactics.
Proponent Considerations

p The demonstration of good faith by the project proponents

in representing all aspects of the project through a public
information program can actually help reduce public
opposition.
p The specific concerns of the public regarding a project
should be addressed in detail in every EIA.
p Public participation goes beyond simply defining the
public’s concerns. Solutions to the major issues should be
developed though joint efforts so that they will be
acceptable to both the project proponents and the public.
Participatory development processes strive to
p increasethe “sense of ownership” in the
projects’ beneficiaries by increasing the
participation of a large number and a wide range
of stakeholders in project planning and
implementation.
Range of Stakeholders Involved in
the Consultation
p the people - individuals, groups and communities who are
affected by the proposal;
p the proponent and other project beneficiaries;
p government agencies;
p NGOs and interest groups; and
p others, such as donors, the private sector, academics etc.
Planning a Public Consultation

p Planning by the proponent for a public involvement

program begins early before other EIA work
p The plan should describe the means of notifying and
informing the public about the proposals and the EIA
process, beginning at an early stage and continuing with
updates on the progress of the EIA study and feedback on
community concerns.
p Wherever possible, meetings and inquiries should be held
within the local community, especially if there are basic
constraints on its involvement
 Points to Consider:
p Who should be involved? - identify the interested and affected public
(stakeholders), noting any major constraints on their involvement.

p What type and scope of public involvement is appropriate? - ensure this is

commensurate with the issues and objectives of EIA.

p How should the public be involved? - identify the techniques which are
appropriate for this purpose.
p When and where should opportunities for public involvement be provided -
establish a plan and schedule in relation to the EIA process and the number, type
and distribution of stakeholders.

p How will the results of public involvement be used in the EIA and decision
making processes? - describe the mechanisms for analyzing and taking account
of public inputs and providing feedback to stakeholders.

p What resources are necessary or available to implement the public

involvement program? - relate the above considerations to budgetary, time and
staff requirements.
Constraints Usually Encountered in having
a meaningful Public Consultation
p Poverty - involvement means time spent away from income-producing tasks

p Remote and rural settings - increased or dispersed settlement distances

make communication more difficult and expensive.

p Illiteracy - involvement will not occur if print media is used.

p Local values/culture - behavioral norms or cultural traditions can act as a

barrier to public involvement or exclude those who do not want to disagree
publicly with dominant groups.

p Languages - in some places a number of different languages or dialects may

be spoken, making communication difficult.

p Legal systems - may be in conflict with traditional systems and cause

confusion about rights and responsibilities over resource use and access.
p Interest groups - bring conflicting and divergent views and vested interests.

p Confidentiality - may be important for the proponent, and may weigh against
early involvement and consideration of alternatives.
Public Involvement Techniques

pFormal public consultation meeting

pFocused group discussion
pKey informant interviews
 Sample Agenda of Public Consultation
Time Topic Facilitator
9:00 – 9:30am Registration
9:30 – 9:45 am Opening Prayer Proponent
National Anthem Proponent
Welcome Remarks LGU
9:45 – 9:50 am Introduction of Participants
9:50 – 10:00am Overview and Mechanics of the Public Consultation DENR-EMB
10:00-10:30am Project Presentation Proponent
- Project Components
- Project Timelines
- Project Benefits and Beneficiaries
10:30-11:00am Open Forum
11:00-11:05 Synthesis / Summary of Issues
11:05-11:20 Messages from:
Chairman ____ - Barangay
City Representative : _________________
11:20-11:30 Closing Remarks DENR-EMB
 LOCATION MAP - PUBLIC CONSULTATION
ILUGIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ILUGIN
ELEM.
SCHOOL
Cristina
Flying V SITE
Homes
Gas Station
Sandoval Ave.

Urbano Velasco Ave.

Mercedes Ave.
Sandoval
To Cainta

Creek

PS
Shell

Bank
C. Raymundo Ave. To Pasig Blvd.
Ortigas Ave.

EDSA
Sample Stakeholder Questions
(KII, FGD)
p Ano sa palagay ninyo ang “strengths” o kabutihan/
kagandahan ng proyekto? (What do you think are the
strengths or advantages of the project?)
p Ano sa palagay ninyo ang kahinaan o kakulangan ng
proyekto? (What do you think are the weakness or
disadvantages of the project?)
p Ano sa palagay ninyo ang mga opportunidad na
maibibigay ng proyekto? (What do you think are the
opportunities that the project may bring?)
p Ano ang mga takot at pangamba ninyo sa proyekto?
(What are your fears about the project?)
Sample Survey Instrument
 Pointers for a Successful Public
Consultation
p provide sufficient, relevant information in a form that is easily
understood by non-experts (without being simplistic or insulting);
p allow enough time for stakeholders to review, consider and respond to
the information and its implications;
p provide appropriate means and opportunities for them to express their
views;
p select venues and time events to encourage maximum attendance and
a free exchange of views by all stakeholders (including those that may
feel less confident about expressing their views); and
p respond to all questions, issues raised or comments made by
stakeholders. This fosters public confidence and trust in the EIA
process.
Case Study 2

p Discussthe method you would use to get public

involvement and why you would use those in
preference to other methods.
p Outline your public information strategy.
p Identify
participants/stakeholders, anticipated
issues/concerns and how will you reply to these
issues.