Ecolex Logo
The gateway to
environmental law
Search results » Literature

Public participation in environmental decision making: The European dimension

Author
Sheate W., Atkinson N.
Journal/Series
Environmental Policy and Practice | Vol. 5(3); 119 - 129; 11 p.
Date
1995
Source
IUCN (ID: ANA-056587)
Publisher | Place of publication
EPP Publications | Richmond, UK
Language
English
Country/Territory
European Union
Subject
Environment gen.
Keyword
Public participation EIA
Abstract

Recent international commitments provide an added impetus and context for the development of improved public participation in environmental decision-making: In Europe environmental impact assessment (EIA) is now - ten years since first agreed - well established. Lessons from the experience of EIA provide some useful insights as to how to ensure effective public participation in the newer EC instruments of access to information, environmental management and auditing, and eco-labelling. The key to successful public participation lies in achieving an appropriate balance between early opportunities for involvement in decision-making and access to justice when things go awry: A question of providing both prevention and cure.