3-1 Introduction

Public involvement is a fundamental principle of the EIA process. Timely, well planned and appropriately implemented public involvement programmes will contribute to EIA studies and to the successful design, implementation, operation and management of proposals. Specifically public involvement is a valuable source of information on key impacts, potential mitigation measures and the identification and selection of alternatives. It also ensures the EIA process is open, transparent and robust, characterised by defensible analysis.

Learning Outcomes of this Section

On successful completion of this Section, you will be able to:

• Describe the principles and appreciate the importance of effective public engagement in successful EIA implementation;
• Demonstrate knowledge of how to implement a public involvement programme within an EIA context; and
• Appreciate the arguments for public involvement.