Introduction

The challenge of a development pattern striving to harmonize economics with social and environmental needs requires active citizen participation in public issues. Public participation in decisions about development is fundamental to achieving lasting and possible solutions.

Modern democratic life requires an active role from the population and needs participation from members of the community. It should no longer be the case that those who are governed act only to elect and then, whatever the outcome, are governed without there existing opportunities to interact with their representatives. It is time to add the idea of participation to the concept of representative democracy.

Participation transforms the democratic system, energizing it, by creating a permanent connection between the governed and those who govern. The joint venture permits more reasoned decisions (being these the product of a higher consensus), enables a better understanding of the problems that preoccupy a society, and allows the two parties to work cooperatively towards possible solutions.

Public participation allows government actions to become transparent, effectively avoiding corrupt behaviors. It also clarifies responsibilities and facilitates the eventual application of sanctions, in case of reproachable conducts.

In order to build a participatory democracy, it is necessary to provide citizens with an institutional framework that will allow for effective participation in public issues.

Numerous international documents have expressed the importance of public participation and the need to institutionalize it to move towards sustainable development. It is important to mention Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development signed by more than 100 heads of State worldwide, in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, establishing that:

"Environmental issues are best handled with the participation of all concerned citizens, at the relevant level. At the national level, each individual shall have appropriate access to information concerning the environment that is held by public authorities, including information on hazardous materials and activities in their communities, and the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes. States shall facilitate and encourage public awareness and participation by making information widely available. Effective access to judicial and administrative proceedings, including redress and remedy, shall be provided".

This principle in the Rio Declaration outlines some basic components that must be present in all participatory democracies. Therefore, to participate in an effective way, people must have:

• Access to decision making
• Access to public information
• Access to justice

 

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