Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
considered. In addition, options can be tested to assess how they would
meet stakeholder needs and values. By being involved in a water resource
planning process, stakeholders gain an understanding of the complexity
of water management, the vulnerability of water-related ecosystems, and
of others' needs and values. From an elected representative's perspective,
community engagement gives assurance that a wide range of views has been
considered in the process. In most cases, stakeholder input has been found
to improve the final outcome by mitigating undesirable effects, or assisting
in finding a compromise between competing interests. Understanding the
benefits of community engagement enables a water resource planner to
negotiate for allocation of adequate resources (staff, funds for materials and
travel) to the job required.
Community engagement can:
O
improve the decision or outcome (more creative or flexible)
O
inform people about the planning or decision-making process and the
status of the resource
O
build capacity and awareness among all stakeholders (including government
and communities) about the resource and local and national agendas
O
gain local knowledge of resources and use
O
understand the range of values, concerns, and aspirations
O
build relationships and partnerships
O
seek alternatives and solutions
O
identify and agree on appropriate criteria for testing options
O
provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision
O
engender greater acceptance of the decision with fewer implementation
problems
O
provide a litmus test for elected representatives when making final
decisions
O
resolve or reduce areas of conflict
O
demonstrate an open government and enhance democracy
O
contribute to social learning, triple-loop learning, and transformation
(Mostert 2003).
From a water resource planning perspective, community engagement is
particularly important for:
1 gathering information on issues, values, pressures, demands, possible
impacts, and the nature of the resource; and
2 addressing procedural fairness in distributing benefits (and impacts).
Gathering information is important because not all the information needed
for plan formulation is available in scientific assessments, and the community
can be a valuable source of community-based local knowledge, anecdotal data,
or monitoring data that might reveal history, trends or feasibility of options.
