Session Description
Public participation in IA has always been a foundational cornerstone of successful IA practice. Many IAIA members with interest in public participation have been revealing ways that such participation can become more meaningful for those involved and in terms of outcomes achieved. Yet, and despite this work, participation in IA is under threat of being greatly minimized in many jurisdictions around the globe as a means of achieving more efficient IA processes, especially as governments look to stimulate their economies in the wake of the global economic upheaval caused by US tariffs and other actions.
This session intends to provide insights into some the threats to public participation in IA in the wake of this trend as well as ways that the participatory foundation of IA can be protected. We invite papers that explore the impacts of streamlining on IA public participation, as well as successful techniques of engagement that could provide the public with more meaningful opportunities to participate within this new context. Papers may also consider the need for different approaches, such as the adoption of anti-SLAPP legislation, training for action outside of IA participatory process, including the role and function of protest, and engagement through upper tier assessments.
Session Summary
Public participation in IA is under great threat in many jurisdictions through attempts to make IA more efficient. Papers in this session will explore the impacts of streamlining, techniques of engagement that counter such action and the need for new approaches such as adopting anti-SLAPP legislation.
Proposed By
Public Participation
Session Chair
John Sinclair
Natural Resources Institute, University of Manitoba
Canada
Session Co-chair
Timothy Peirson-Smith
Executive Counsel Limited
China