Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
types of public education and involvement will be required to reach the different sectors
or groups. A broad classification could include:
• Stakeholders-this group involves the parties directly concerned with the activities of the
organization (legitimate stakeholders) and other interested parties as communities,
environmental groups, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) related to the
PAP objectives.
• Press and media
• General public
4.3.1
The PAP planning stage
• During the process of planning and preparation of a PAP the following steps should be
considered:
• Find out the historic background of the event or process;
• Formulate clearly your objectives and goals and derive from them the objectives of
PAP. Some typical objectives of a PAP could be:
◦ To inform and educate the stakeholders;
◦ To seek input from the stakeholders and public and to involve them in the process;
◦ To gain consensus on a specified problem;
◦ To monitor the execution of your educational program;
• Identify the major potential stakeholders and their level and type of concern and the
target audience, which could include: the respective community; local media; elected
officials; government staff; industries related to the task; environmental groups;
NGOs; women organizations; the general public;
• List and describe the different stages of the program;
• Outline specific activities and products within each stage and their interrelation;
• Identify ways or criteria to assess the program effectiveness;
• Include milestones for reassessment or correction of PEP;
• Estimate costs and levels of effort for each stage of the program.
4.3.2
Public involvement activities and techniques
The forms and activities of public involvement may vary considerably based on the
specific conditions on the ground, the traditional forms used in the society and the
available resources. Some possible activities for public involvement are listed below, but
they should be considered as a guide to stimulate creativity and find the best option for
each specific case.
• Advisory groups - different stakeholders are invited to participate and advice. Care
should be taken for a balanced representation of different participants, who have the
authority to make or enforce decisions. This will also prevent controversy, if the
advice is not considered and applied.
• Hotline - a widely advertised telephone line to handle and answer questions. It could be
used for two-way communication with the general public and provide information
about the public reaction to a specific problem.
