Also, when done well, public participation helps to teach stakeholders meaningful and collaborative ways to approach each other, manage difficult decisions, and resolve disputes. This capacity includes improved relationships and trust between decision-makers and the public, and among different stakeholders themselves. How does public participation develop community capacity?Īnother major result of sustained stakeholder participation in decisions and their implementation is the development of capacity for managing difficult social problems. Decision-makers who fully understand stakeholder interests also become better communicators, able to explain decisions and decision rationale in terms stakeholders understand and in ways that relate to stakeholders’ values and concerns. Decisions are more implementable and sustainable because the decision considers the needs and interests of all stakeholders including vulnerable/marginalized populations, and stakeholders better understand and are more invested in the outcomes.Īs a result, decisions that are informed by public participation processes are seen as more legitimate and are less subject to challenge. They can then incorporate the best information and expertise of all stakeholders. Public participation contributes to better decisions because decision-makers have more complete information – in the form of additional facts, values, and perspectives obtained through public input – to bring to bear on the decision process. What are the benefits of public participation? empowering the public by placing final decision-making authority in their hands.ĭepending of the form of participation sought, public participation makes use of a variety of tools and techniques to inform the public, generate public input, and, in some cases, build consensus and reach agreement.collaborating with the public to develop decision criteria and alternatives and identify the preferred solution.involving the public to ensure their concerns are considered throughout the decision process, particularly in the development of decision criteria and options.consulting with the public to obtain their feedback on alternatives or decisions.informing the public by providing information to help them understand the issues, options, and solutions.The section of this guide titled Selecting the Right Level of Public Participation discusses the different forms that public participation might take depending on the potential for public influence on a decision.

Students consider input to environmental issues in China.

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