Who Constitutes The Public In Environmental Decisions Making Process

Who Constitutes The Public In Environmental Decisions Making Process

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When we talk about public participation in environmental decisions making processes, a question that may popup to mind is, Who are the members of the public to be involved? Who and who constitutes or can be classified as a member of the Public in these processes?

Well, the following makes up or constitutes members of the public in the decision making processes:

• The host community/those directly affected by the project and those who live in the vicinity if the project.
• Educational institutions e.g tertiary institution.
• Professional groups and organizations. For example, Nigeria Environmental Society ,N.G.O’s, town planners, Environmental Right Action e.t.c.
• Active environmental conservationists.
• Interested individuals or groups or business developers who will benefit from the initiation of the proposed project.

NOTE: A person doesn’t have to be a citizen to become a member of the public

Why Are They Involved?

What are the basic ideas, rationale or objectives for involving the public in environmental decisions making processes? Well, the following are but a few reasons:

1. Individuals and groups in the community are affected in some way the proposed project. For instance, a particular project if implemented may lead to the displacement of people. For equity and fairness, it is important that the people be made to know the impact this project will have on them.
2.  The members of the various public can help influence the decision making process, if they are duly informed of the various option /alternatives open to them.
3. It is also very wise to make communities affected by a project to be part of the planning process, because opposition that could arise would be brought to a minimum.
4.  Public participation also helps the regulatory bodies to appreciate and react to issues beyond the immediate project at hand.
5.  There are values that a stranger cannot quantify, that is, only a member of the community can accurately tell the value of such resources. This can influence the decision making of the proponents and also the regulatory bodies.
6.  Humans as a social being, lives among his friends and family/ relatives, who help to solve problems. It becomes unwise and irrational, if they are taken away from him without his prior knowledge

Not involving the public can bring about some negative turn of events such as conflicts, rebellion, protests, loss of lives and properties rendering victims homeless, etc.