Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
3.8 COMMON MISTAKES
Promises That Are Not Kept
Refer to any text on educating children. Almost all will advise you never to make
promises that you can't keep. This holds equally true for adults. Mining companies
that promise employment opportunities will be held accountable for that promise.
Promise to provide better water supply. You will be reminded as soon as mine devel-
opment commences. It does not matter whether the promise was made by the mine
owner or another party perceived to speak on behalf of the mine owner. It is important
to choose words carefully. Once a promise is made, the mine management will be held
accountable.
Too Little - Too Late
Participation should not be so late in the life of an issue that it is tokenistic, or merely con-
i rms decisions already made. The timing should occur when affected people have the best
chance of inl uencing outcomes. People should be provided with sufi cient time to express
their views and to become involved in subsequent decision-making.
People should be provided with
suffi cient time to express their
views and to become involved in
subsequent decision-making.
Top-down
In the past, the mine management or the government could simply inform the public on
decisions that had already been made. It then became necessary to explain why the decision
had been made which, in turn, led the management to consult in advance of decision-
making. Good practice now goes even further and involves the public and key stakehold-
ers at all stages of decision-making. Participation offers an additional and complementary
means of channelling the energies of host communities. Enhancing participation at the
community level fosters a 'bottom-up' approach to economic and social development.
It is important to ensure that any recommendations which emerge from the consulta-
tive process will have a strong likelihood of being adopted. If they are not, it is important
that a public explanation is provided. Trust in the process is important for both the power
holders and the participants. Although the decision-making process can aim for consensus,
complete agreement need not be the outcome. The main point is that all parties should be
clear on how decisions will be made so that participants know and understand the impact
of their involvement.
Not Sincere or Transparent
Consultation makes sense only if all participants are sincere and concerned about a bal-
anced outcome. Use of the consultation process to manipulate other parties will eventu-
ally prove counter-productive since manipulation destroys trust. Information should not
be hidden, especially on investments. Lack of full disclosure of environmental impacts, or
emphasizing mainly positive aspects is also all too common and reduces credibility.
The consultation method should also be appropriate to the target group. Evaluation
questions should be formulated in advance, with consideration of how the 'success' of the
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