SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES Public Involvement EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE

2 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE

3 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Key objectives of public involvement  Take account of views and concerns of key stakeholders.  Ensure that important impacts are not overlooked.  Reduce conflicts through the early identification of contentious issues.   Improve transparency and increase public confidence in the EIA process.   Obtain local input into the design of alternatives and mitigation measures.

4 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Levels of public involvement One way communication with those affected by a proposal. A two-way exchange of information designed to canvass the views of stakeholders on a proposal and its impacts. A more interactive process of engaging the public in addressing the issues, establishing areas of agreement and disagreement, and trying to reach common positions. An alternative dispute-resolution mechanism based on joint fact-finding, consensus building and mutual accommodation of different interests. Informing Consulting Participating Negotiating

5 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Who are the participants?   proponents and project beneficiaries   government agencies with responsibilities or policy interests relating to the proposal   those directly or indirectly affected by the proposal   those interested in the proposal (e.g. NGOs, the private sector, academics, etc.)

6 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Principles of public involvement  The process should be: fair – (conducted impartially and without bias towards any stakeholder) responsive to stakeholder requirements and input credible – (capable of inspiring confidence and trust inclusive – (covers all stakeholders) open and transparent – (steps and activities are understood) relevant – (focused on the issues that matter)

7 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE To ensure that significant issues are identified; project related information is gathered, alternatives are considered. To avoid biases/inaccuracies in analysis; identify local values/preferences; assist in consideration of mitigation measures; select best alternative. To consider and comment on EIA Report To monitor the implementation of EIA Report’s recommendations and decision’s conditions. To consult people likely to be affected by proposal. Public Involvement in the main EIA Stages

8 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Developing a public involvement programme  Determine the key issues to be discussed.  Identify the affected and interested public.  Select appropriate techniques (take into account budgets and timelines into account).   Analyse input.   Provide feedback to build confidence and trust.

9 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Principles for successful application of public involvement techniques  Provide the right information at the right time.  Allow sufficient time for review and response.   Provide appropriate opportunities and means for stakeholder involvement.   Select appropriate venues, and schedule events to suit stakeholders.

10 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Common excuses given for avoiding public involvement  It’s too early in the process.  It will take too long and cost too much.  It will stir up opposition.   The debate will be one-sided.   We will raise too many expectations.   People won’t understand.

11 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Public involvement in EIA: key provisions of the Aarhus Convention  Provisions of the Aarhus Convention are now fully reflected in the EC EIA Directive (following amendments introduced by Directive 2003/35/EC)

12 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Aarhus Convention: defining the public and public concerned  “The public” (Art 2.4) means: one or more natural or legal persons; and, in accordance with national legislation or practice, their associations, organisations or group.  “The public concerned” (Art. 2.5) means: those affected or likely to be affected by environmental decision-making; those having an interest in environmental decision-making; and Those non-governmental organisations promoting environmental protection and meeting any requirements under national law, which shall be deemed to have an interest.

13 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION’S OBNOVA AND PHARE PROGRAMMES EIA TRAINING RESOURCE MANUAL FOR SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE Aarhus Convention: key requirements for public participation  early notification in a timely and effective manner, plus elements of the notification document (Art. 6.2.)  reasonable timeframes for effective participation (Art. 6.3)  early public participation, when all options are open and effective participation can take place (Art. 6.4)  free access to information as soon as it becomes available (Art. 6.6)  public participation procedures allowing the public to submit comments in writing, or at public hearing or inquiry (Art. 6.8)