Public participation in administrative and legislative decision-making has become an integral and important aspect of environmental governance in many democratic countries, including a growing number of developing countries. However, striking a good balance between democratic participation and administrative efficiency presents challenges for many governments. Experience suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach to public participation does not exist. Rather, consultative procedures to involve the public need to be adapted to the nature of the decision process and take into consideration national and issue specific circumstances, while satisfying the expectations of stakeholders for a transparent and fair process. Apart from strategic considerations about the nature and scope of public participation, a number of practical issues may affect the success of a consultative process, such as providing clarity about the expected input from stakeholders, organizing effective meetings, or providing appropriate feedback on comments received. It is within this context that the research project on “Public Participation in Environmental Decision-Making in the New South Africa” has been developed.

The project’s  overall aim is to document public participation opportunities and patterns and to identify practical lessons learned during the first phase of the environmental law reform process in the new South Africa. The project specifically seeks to contribute towards a better understanding of procedural aspects, capacities and resources that may need to be in place to facilitate design and implementation of public participation processes in the South African context. Lessons learned could inform the design of future decision processes that will be undertaken within the country.  In the long-term, it is hoped that the project might contribute to strengthening the relationship of government and its clients within civil society and therefore enhance the trust of the public in government.

Some of the specific objectives of the project are:

At the international level, the project contributes towards international information exchange on public participation in environmental decision-making.  It will inform the development of UNITAR guidance and resource materials aimed at assisting countries in strengthening their national capacities for developing and implementing public participation in environmental decision-making.  The methodology can also be used to undertake similar studies in other countries, and add to a potential body of case study research on public participation.