Publication: Public Consultation in Environmental Assessment : Lessons from East and South Asia
Date
1997-04
ISSN
Published
1997-04
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
Consultation is a two-way communication
process by which the knowledge and views of affected
peoples, NGOs, the private sector and other interested
parties are taken into account in development
decision-making. In the case of EAs, the assumption is often
made that such involvement is not necessary because of the
often complex and highly technical nature of environmental
impacts. Nevertheless, it is becoming increasingly clear
that the knowledge of affected communities and NGOs can
contribute to the quality of EAs, as well as provide a
better understanding of the social impacts which accompany
development interventions. The Bank and other development
agencies have learned that if public consultation does not
take place early in the project preparation process, it
often leads to public misunderstandings, and unnecessary
delays in project processing and implementation. The
Bank's Operational Directive on EA (OD 4.01)
distinguishes between various types of projects based upon
the potential significance of their environmental impacts.
Category A projects are usually large (e.g., hydro- dams,
roads, urban infrastructural projects, industrial
facilities, etc.) and have widespread environmental and
social impacts, including in some cases involuntary
resettlement and effects on vulnerable populations such as
indigenous peoples.
Citation
“World Bank. 1997. Public Consultation in Environmental Assessment : Lessons from East and South Asia. Social Development Notes; No. 30. © Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/a7017db7-c50c-5d39-93c9-5f850afade96 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”