1. Public Consultation/Participation in an EIA Process EIA requires that, as much as possible, both technical / scientific and value issues be dealt with. The involvement of the Public in EIA is, therefore, an integral part of EIA. Adequate public input is important: To identify issues relevant to the project For evaluating their significance For deciding what measures should be implemented to avoid or mitigate these impacts.

2. Purpose of public involvement Stakeholder Engagement Inform the stakeholders about the proposal and its likely effects Inform the stakeholders about the proposal and its likely effects Obtain information from communities and other stakeholders Obtain information from communities and other stakeholders Listen to community concerns, understand their views and concerns; and Listen to community concerns, understand their views and concerns; and Take account of the information and views of the public in the EIA and decision making Take account of the information and views of the public in the EIA and decision making

3. Reasons and justification to consult the public The public is better informed about the project proposal; The public is better informed about the project proposal; Different viewpoints of the project are brought forward early in the planning process; Different viewpoints of the project are brought forward early in the planning process; Issues and concern can be analyzed an evaluated; Issues and concern can be analyzed an evaluated; Potential points of disagreement between party ’ s are identified which can then be dealt with; Potential points of disagreement between party ’ s are identified which can then be dealt with; Mutual consultation is helpful in building trust among the review participants; and Mutual consultation is helpful in building trust among the review participants; and Adequate public input into decision making process minimizes the reputational impacts to owner and raises the level of comfort of decision makers Adequate public input into decision making process minimizes the reputational impacts to owner and raises the level of comfort of decision makers

4. Who are the Stakeholders? Individuals, communities or organizations (Gov & Non-g) who may be affected (negatively or positively ) directly or indirectly by a proposed project

5. 1. Communities in the vicinity of the project and directly affected by it/its activities (People at risk) 2. National, State and local authorities 3. Communities in the vicinity of the project but not affected 4. Communities not in the vicinity of the project but are affected

6. Key objectives of public involvement To obtain local and traditional knowledge that may be useful for decision-making To obtain local and traditional knowledge that may be useful for decision-making To facilitate consideration of alternatives, mitigation measures and tradeoffs To facilitate consideration of alternatives, mitigation measures and tradeoffs To ensure that important impacts are not overlooked and benefits are maximized To ensure that important impacts are not overlooked and benefits are maximized To reduce conflict through the early identification of contentious (debatable) issues To reduce conflict through the early identification of contentious (debatable) issues

7. To provide an opportunity for the public to influence project design in a positive manner (thereby creating a sense of ownership of the proposal) To provide an opportunity for the public to influence project design in a positive manner (thereby creating a sense of ownership of the proposal) To improve transparency and accountability of decision- making; and To improve transparency and accountability of decision- making; and To increase public confidence in the EIA process To increase public confidence in the EIA process

9. Understanding Stakeholders Language(s) spoken Language(s) spoken Literacy and education level generally Literacy and education level generally Ethnicity, ethnic minorities Ethnicity, ethnic minorities Gender issues, representation of women Gender issues, representation of women Mobility issues Mobility issues Socio-economic characteristics Socio-economic characteristics Potential conflicts between or within groups Potential conflicts between or within groups Previous [negative] experiences with similar projects Previous [negative] experiences with similar projects Social customs, values or traditions Social customs, values or traditions Political issues Political issues

10. Understanding Stakeholders Designing consultation program: – What are the likely issues and concerns of each group? – What actual impacts may each group experience (positive & negative) – What might be the best way to engage with each stakeholder group?

11. Levels and forms of public involvement Informing Informing One way flow of information from the proponent to the public One way flow of information from the proponent to the publicConsulting Two way flow of information between the proponent and the public with opportunities for the public to express views on the proposal Two way flow of information between the proponent and the public with opportunities for the public to express views on the proposalParticipating Interactive exchange between the proponent and the public encompassing shared analysis and agenda setting and the development of understood and agreed positions on the proposal and its impacts

12. Negotiating Negotiating Face to face discussion between the proponent and key stakeholders to build consensus and reach a mutually acceptable resolution of issues Face to face discussion between the proponent and key stakeholders to build consensus and reach a mutually acceptable resolution of issues ( A package of impact mitigation and compensation measures) ( A package of impact mitigation and compensation measures)

13. key elements (requirements) PP requires building partnerships between the public, the proponent, governments, and other organizations. PP requires building partnerships between the public, the proponent, governments, and other organizations. For these partnerships to work and for a good outcome of an EIA exercise, a number of key elements (requirements) must be observed: For these partnerships to work and for a good outcome of an EIA exercise, a number of key elements (requirements) must be observed: - Recognition that the “ public ” consists of a wide array of individuals and groups with different views, perspectives and interests; - Recognition that the “ public ” consists of a wide array of individuals and groups with different views, perspectives and interests;

14. Recognition that the public is also an excellent sure of knowledge, experience and expertise;Recognition that the public is also an excellent sure of knowledge, experience and expertise; Mutual trust and respect among all partners necessary;Mutual trust and respect among all partners necessary; Good understanding of the diversity of values, goals and objectives;Good understanding of the diversity of values, goals and objectives; Individual and collective rights and responsibilities for protecting democratic principles and the environment;Individual and collective rights and responsibilities for protecting democratic principles and the environment; Mutual recognition and acceptance of others ’ perceptions, interests and aspirations;Mutual recognition and acceptance of others ’ perceptions, interests and aspirations; Development and implementation of mutually agreed upon rules and procedures for conducting public meetings and consultations.Development and implementation of mutually agreed upon rules and procedures for conducting public meetings and consultations.

15. Principles of public involvement The process should be: Inclusive (Covers all stakeholders) Open and transparent (Steps and activities are understood) Relevant (Focused on the issues that matter) Fair (Conducted impartially and without bias towards any stakeholder) Responsive to stakeholder requirements and inputs Credible builds confidence and trust

16. Factors constraining meaningful public involvements Poverty Poverty Remote and rural settings Remote and rural settings Illiteracy Illiteracy Local values/culture Local values/culture Languages Languages Legal systems Legal systems Interest groups Interest groups Confidentiality Confidentiality

17. Why do proponent/government avoid involvement? Common reasons: It is too early It is too early It will take too long and cost too much It will take too long and cost too much It will stir up opposition It will stir up opposition We will only hear from the articulate We will only hear from the articulate We will raise expectations We will raise expectations People will not understand People will not understand

18. Types and Timing of Public Involvement Stages of Project Development Public Involvement Technique Public Involvement Technique Small Project Large Project Small Project Large Project

19. Avenues of performing public participation