Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
I envisage that this collaboration would follow the model I propose in
this chapter for the formation of strategic plans. It would be sensible,
rather than duplicating participatory processes, for marine bodies to take
part in regional explorations of how relevant resource requirements
might be met. This would allow for the identi
cation of possible obstacles
to offshore development or of any potential for value con
ict that may
exist at the outset of the planning process rather than when this is well
advanced. Knowledge of public views expressed on possibilities for new
sea uses would then be available to, and inform the preparation of,
strategic plans. Finally, environmental assessment during strategic plan-
ning would provide a further opportunity for public involvement with
discussing governmental proposals.
The hope is that provision for public engagement with policy imple-
mentation from an early stage and at other points in the chain of gover-
nance, when coupled with an institutional design which creates linkages
between different governmental levels, would encourage acceptance of
development that is intended to alleviate threats of harm to the UK
s
environment. In this regard, the context of decision-making processes is
of great importance to the way people react to development proposals.
138
The goal here is to create a contextual backdrop of participation in a
positive and shared endeavour to change current practices and utilise
resources in pursuit of an objective whose realisation would be of broad
societal bene
'
t. This is in contrast to situations in which the public are
asked to respond to individual projects, which, as noted at
Section 4.6.2
,
tends to isolate communities and to focus attention on a negative critique
of what is proposed rather than considering proposals on their merits.
138
Ibid
., 233
-
4.
