Public participation and climate change adaptation: avoiding the illusion of inclusion

Integrating adaptive governance and participatory multicriteria methods: a framework for climate adaptation governance

“…However, participatory processes are inherently complex (Few et al 2007, Reed 2008, Collins and Ison 2009. In discussing modes and degrees of inclusion, Arnstein (1969) argues that simply informing or consulting the public without providing feedbacks may be frustrating for those who invest time in participating, thus putting the credibility of participation at risk.…”

“…Some authors have also shown how participatory processes are manipulated by the organizations promoting them (Davos andLajano 2001, Few et al 2007). Moreover, scholars have noted that social actors have differing capacities to articulate their concerns (Few et al 2007), and differing access to participatory processes where their views are not always fairly represented (Bloomfield et al 2001, Reed 2008. Further, not all relevant stakeholders may want to participate because of negative past experiences and time costs involved in participation (Bloomfield et al 2001, Few et al 2007).…”

“…Simultaneously, a continuous dialog with relevant stakeholders is indispensable for evaluating the compatibility of adaptation options with other policy goals such as sustainable development and economic diversification (Fankhauser 1999, Füssel 2007. Furthermore, active participation in adaptation decision making has the potential to enhance adaptive capacity, increase support for decisions, and ensure that the distribution of burdens and benefits is equitable among different social groups (see, e.g., International Institute for Sustainable Development et al 2003, Few et al 2007, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2007, Collins and Ison 2009. Finally, learning is considered a normative goal of participation in adaptation decisions (Collins and Ison 2009).…”

“…Public participation, intended to be individuals or their collectives taking part in governing processes, may lead to an improved understanding of problems and solutions, greater accountability, transparency, and support for decisions (Few et al 2007, Reed 2008, Pahl-Wostl 2009, Collins and Ison 2009). However, participatory processes are inherently complex (Few et al 2007, Reed 2008, Collins and Ison 2009.…”

Participation, politics, and panaceas: exploring the possibilities and limits of participatory urban water governance in Accra, Ghana

“…International development literatures, as with adaptive comanagement scholarship, often present participation as central to overcoming the disjuncture between top-down policies and localities, improving outcomes by applying local knowledges, e.g., for poverty alleviation (Ahmad 2003), or leading to more effective monitoring by directly involving communities in rule establishment and enforcement (Ostrom 1990). Furthermore, participation and community-based planning are increasingly considered as crucial components of climate change adaptation programs aiming to foster better preparedness and thus resilience for vulnerable communities (Lim et al 2004, Tompkins and Adger 2004, Few et al 2007, Westerhoff and Smit 2009. Several noteworthy international agreements, including the Aarhus Convention on Participatory Management for Environmental Matters (UNECE 1998), the Dublin Principles (1992), and the Bonn Recommendations for Action (Secretariat of the International Conference on Freshwater 2001), reiterate the suggestion that policies regarding water be developed on the basis of consultations with those affected; the latter two agreements offer recommendations specific to water issues (see also Goldin 2013 for a discussion of participatory water governance).…”