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Description
Public participation in environmental decision-making is one of the most important mechanisms of environmental protection. Particular attention is given to the environmental impact assessment procedures – EIA (including strategic environmental assessment - SEA) and Appropriate Assessment, which include public participation through public inquiry (public access to documentation and public hearing). This project would attempt to create a framework for the smooth implementation of the public consultation process in environmental decision-making in emerging conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The beneficiaries of the project are primarily general public and interested public in environmental procedures, then the public sector (Ministry of Environment and Energy, representatives of local government and self-government), economic sector (practitioners who develop studies in environmental protection procedures and investors), civil sector (NGOs operating in the field of nature and environment protection). This project can also provide a framework for the long-term improvement of the public''s involvement in environmental decision-making. The main impact on beneficiaries is to create consensus on the means, methodology and tools that would enable transparent and effective public participation, especially when talking about public hearing in pandemic conditions. The common role of applicant and partner is communication to the public and key stakeholders, supporting the stakeholder consultations, actively participating in the preparation of instructions for public hearing in pandemic conditions. The applicant will additionally be responsible for coordinating the project''s activities and the partner for administration and reporting on the project.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address challenges related to public information and participation in environmental impact assessment (EIA) and strategic environmental assessment (SEA) processes, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key issues included limited opportunities for public discussions and presentations due to social distancing measures, which further restricted public involvement in environmental decision-making. The project sought to enhance communication channels between the public and relevant authorities, improve the quality of public consultations, ensure the continuity of public participation, and raise awareness of the importance of democratic dialogue and cross-sectoral cooperation.
The project carried out several key activities to improve public participation in environmental decision-making processes, particularly under pandemic conditions.
Main Activities and Outputs:
Formation of a Consultation Team:
- Brought together stakeholders from civil society organizations, investors, regional government bodies, and the Ministry of Economy and Regional Development (MINGOR).
- Identified key challenges in public participation and proposed improvements beyond pandemic-related limitations.
Stakeholder Survey and Awareness Raising:
- Conducted a survey on public participation experiences during environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedures.
- Highlighted a general lack of public awareness about rights and participation mechanisms.
- Emphasized the need for systematic public education on these issues.
Development of Public Participation Guidelines:
- Organized three online workshops with stakeholders.
- Drafted and finalized guidelines for public participation in environmental impact assessments during the pandemic.
- Included recommendations for long-term improvements, such as enhanced transparency, increased accessibility, and potential regulatory updates.
Implementation and Pilot Testing of Guidelines:
- Collaborated with Zagreb County to apply selected recommendations in the public hearing for the DC36 road relocation project in early 2021.
- Introduced better public information strategies, such as earlier announcements and radio broadcasts.
- Identified digital accessibility issues but noted successful hybrid models in other projects (e.g., DRAVA LIFE project).
Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Tracked the implementation of public consultations and digital participation solutions.
- Engaged local authorities and professionals in evaluating the feasibility of suggested reforms.
Key Outcomes:
- Increased stakeholder awareness of the challenges in public engagement.
- Concrete recommendations for improving transparency and accessibility.
- Pilot implementation of new public participation methods.
- Strengthened cooperation between civil society, public authorities, and environmental experts.
The project ultimately laid the groundwork for long-term improvements in public engagement processes, even beyond the pandemic.
Results Achieved and Beneficiaries
The project successfully addressed challenges in public participation during environmental impact assessments (EIA) by fostering dialogue, collaboration, and transparency among key stakeholders.
Key Outcomes:
Development of Public Participation Guidelines:
- Created a structured set of guidelines outlining best practices for public involvement in environmental discussions, both under pandemic conditions and in general.
- Included practical recommendations to enhance transparency, accessibility, and legal frameworks for public consultations.
Stronger Multi-Sector Collaboration:
- Established a consultation team bringing together civil society organizations, government bodies, legal experts, and businesses.
- Encouraged dialogue among sectors with different perspectives, leading to compromise-driven solutions and long-term cooperation.
- Strengthened engagement with the Office of the Information Commissioner, contributing to discussions on amendments to the Right to Access Information Act.
Raised Awareness and Capacity Building:
- Conducted public surveys revealing a lack of awareness about citizens'' rights in public consultations.
- Facilitated educational workshops with legal experts to bridge knowledge gaps and empower public participation.
- Integrated legal perspectives from Ombudsman offices, law faculties, and legal professionals, adding credibility to the project.
Creation of a Knowledge Repository:
- Collected and compiled previous research, reports, and recommendations related to public participation, providing an organized resource for future policymaking.
Influence on Future Policy and Practice:
- Initiated pilot implementation of new public engagement methods in Zagreb County for the DC36 road relocation project.
- Identified and addressed technical barriers to digital participation while promoting hybrid approaches.
- Contributed to ongoing discussions on improving national regulations regarding public consultations in environmental matters.
Who Benefited from the Project?
- Civil Society Organizations → Gained a stronger voice in environmental decision-making.
- Public Institutions → Received structured recommendations to improve transparency and effectiveness.
- Legal Experts & Ombudsman Institutions → Expanded discussions on public rights and legal frameworks.
- Investors & Environmental Consultants → Gained clearer guidelines for engaging with the public and avoiding conflicts.
- General Public → Increased awareness of their rights and improved access to public consultations.
Long-Term Impact:
- More inclusive and transparent public consultation processes in environmental decision-making.
- Strengthened multi-sector collaboration for sustainable policymaking.
- A framework for future improvements in public participation, even beyond the pandemic context.
This project not only addressed immediate challenges but also set the foundation for long-term systemic improvements in public participation and environmental governance.