WFD CIS Guidance Documents -Gd 11 - planning process -Section 5. specific requirements in the water framework directive with regards to the planning process -
- 5.8 ninth component: information and consultation of the public, active involvement of interested parties
Public Participation is not only another step in the process. Best practices in the implementation of the WFD can be only reached if public participation is taken in mind in every component. A more detailed Guidance on public participation (WFD CIS Guidance Document No. 8) has been produced as the so called 'Work package
3' under the same working group that has developed this Guidance on planning process.
That Guidance Document on Public Participation (WFD CIS Guidance Document No. 8):
Public consultation and involvement are crucial for successful planning, and must therefore be highlighted in this Section. The potential benefits of greater stakeholder can be summarised as follows:
In order to achieve best practice in the planning process, high priority must be given to establishing effective mechanisms for public participation (consultation and active involvement) in planning and decision-making, right from the start of the IRBM process.
Provision of genuine opportunities for participation means far more than simply distributing information or setting up a consultation exercise, and needs to be carefully adapted to the appropriate scale, target group(s) and issue(s). Participation initiatives must be managed carefully to ensure that they are transparent and accessible, that all opinions are respected and that expectations from all sides are clear at the beginning.
Co-ordination and public participation
It is necessary to distinguish between administrative co-ordination and public participation. Administrative co-ordination should be treated as a managerial process, and public participation as an integral part of the planning process.
Effective river basin planning will require the Competent Authority to establish the appropriate management structures with other relevant authorities and organisations. These relationships will help to provide the Competent Authority with information for characterisation, input to planning and delivery of the Programme of Measures with organisations responsible for other sectors that have an impact on water status e.g. agriculture and land-use development. Administrative co-ordination should be organised between the Competent Authority and relevant bodies at the appropriate scale (sub-basin, basin, district and international district).
3' under the same working group that has developed this Guidance on planning process.
That Guidance Document on Public Participation (WFD CIS Guidance Document No. 8):
- explains why stakeholders should engage in river basin management planning and what can be expected by them and the general public: to voice opinions and concerns about future decisions and to ensure that relevant locally-held knowledge finds its way to the right decision platform;
- outlines practical opportunities and approaches for engaging at different levels and at different stages of planning;
- clarifies, that this is a new process and a new form of partnership which requires patience and mutual trust.
Public consultation and involvement are crucial for successful planning, and must therefore be highlighted in this Section. The potential benefits of greater stakeholder can be summarised as follows:
- RBMPs are likely to be more successful through achievement of 'buy-in' to their objectives and delivery by promoting 'ownership', acceptability and the co-operation of relevant stakeholders;
- Decision making is likely to be more efficient through earlier identification and, where possible, resolution of conflicts;
- Solutions are likely to be more sustainable and equitable through the input of a wider range of knowledge and perspectives;
- In the longer term, relationships between competent authorities and stakeholders are likely to be strengthened.
In order to achieve best practice in the planning process, high priority must be given to establishing effective mechanisms for public participation (consultation and active involvement) in planning and decision-making, right from the start of the IRBM process.
Provision of genuine opportunities for participation means far more than simply distributing information or setting up a consultation exercise, and needs to be carefully adapted to the appropriate scale, target group(s) and issue(s). Participation initiatives must be managed carefully to ensure that they are transparent and accessible, that all opinions are respected and that expectations from all sides are clear at the beginning.
Co-ordination and public participation
It is necessary to distinguish between administrative co-ordination and public participation. Administrative co-ordination should be treated as a managerial process, and public participation as an integral part of the planning process.
Effective river basin planning will require the Competent Authority to establish the appropriate management structures with other relevant authorities and organisations. These relationships will help to provide the Competent Authority with information for characterisation, input to planning and delivery of the Programme of Measures with organisations responsible for other sectors that have an impact on water status e.g. agriculture and land-use development. Administrative co-ordination should be organised between the Competent Authority and relevant bodies at the appropriate scale (sub-basin, basin, district and international district).
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