PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
Public Participation
Urban Mobility Planning and Management
Catarina Freitas
Sustainable Environmental Management and Planning Department
City Council of Almada, Portugal
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
… Goal
The purpose of this Master Class is to improve the
knowledge of the participants about public participation
processes,
… what are the concepts behind it,
… how should we address it,
… how to plan it,
… what rules should be followed…
and to guide and help them to design a public
participation program that fits their specific needs.
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
… Objectives
Objectives
 Identify what are the major steps to prepare a Public
Participation Program;
 Get some ideas, rules and guidelines on how to
design a Public Participation Program, namely
techniques and methods of Public Participation;
 Beware of different levels of Public Participation.
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
What is Public Participation
•Porquê ?
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
Topics
... Why do we need Public Participation?
... What is the context of Public Participation?
... Ideas and concepts behind Public Participation
... How to set up a Public Participation Program
... Conclusions
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
Topics
... Why do we need Public Participation?
... What is the context of Public Participation?
... Ideas and concepts behind Public Participation
... How to set up a Public Participation Program
... Conclusions
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... 30 trees are cut in each second ...
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... all the trees in our Planet can absorb
50 tons of CO2 per second ...
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... all the Earth’s population produces
127 tons of waste per second ...
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... each 20 minutes an animal or
plant species disappears ...
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... each second, 55 kg of oil are
discharged into the sea...
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... in 65 years, the world’s oil reserves
will be finished ...
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... in each 4 seconds,
a person dies of famine ...
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
… Earth is the only Planet in the Solar System
that can give us shelter.
Children’s Parliament 2008 | Forum 21 da Criança
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... Why do we need public participation ?
Why do we need Public Participation?
 We ALL need to change !
(habits, attitudes, values, priorities, agenda …)
 In order to change, we need to find common solutions,
we need consensus, we need to act together …
 To achieve consensus, we need to understand the
perspectives of each other and overcome some
differences …
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... Why do we need public participation ?
Why do we need Public Participation?
 We need to arise awareness on the real problems
humankind is facing today…
 We need to communicate and provide information to
the public in an accurate, complete and meaningful
manner…
 We need to involve and engage the population in
planning and decision-making process…
 We need to get the commitment from all the parts.
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... Why do we need public participation ?
Why do we need Public Participation?
 We need to arise awareness on the real problems
humankind is facing today…
 We need to communicate and provide information to
the public in an accurate, complete and meaningful
manner…
 We need to involve and engage the population in
planning and decision-making process…
 We need to get the commitment from all the parts.
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
Topics
... Why do we need Public Participation?
... What is the context of Public Participation?
... Ideas and concepts behind Public Participation
... How to set up a Public Participation Program
... Conclusions
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... What is the context of Public
Participation ?
«Public participation is nice, but
when we organise something,
no one appears! »
a sceptical Councillor …
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... What is the context of Public
Participation ?
«In our Council there's not
political will. That's it! »
a Local Authority employee …
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... What is the context of Public
Participation ?
«If politicians and local decision
makers don’t prepare our city for
future challenges, one can ask
what do we need them for ?»
a citizen …
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... What is the context of Public
Participation ?
Pre-conceived ideas of decision makers,
planners and experts:
 The public doesn’t want to participate (only people that are
against) …
 The public does not know how to participate …
 The public interfere in technical decisions …
 Participation generates chaos and delays the projects...
 Decision makers often get information on public opinion
on a second-hand basis (briefings and summaries provided by
staff)
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... What is the context of Public
Participation ?
Pre-conceived ideas and complaints of Public
 Public is involved in later stages of the project
 “90% of the document/project is already defined”
 Sometimes important stakeholders are left out
 High controversial issues are not answered
 Incomplete information provided (“hidden issues” or
“impacts under valuated”)
 Badly perceived idea of the problem/issue, based on
misinformation
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... What is the context of Public
Participation ?
Pre-conceived ideas and complaints of Public
 Public is involved in later stages of the project
 “90% of the document/project is already defined”
 Sometimes important stakeholders are left out
 High controversial issues are not answered
 Incomplete information provided (“hidden issues” or
“impacts under valuated”)
 Badly perceived idea of the problem/issue, based on
misinformation
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
Example:
... What is the context of Public
Participation ?
(An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore)
Massive study carried out by University of California on
scientific journal peer-reviewed articles on Climate
Change during the last 10 years (sample of 10%, 928
articles)
Alongside, another study about articles on climate
change published on popular press for the last 14
years (sample of 4 newspapers, 636 articles)
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... What is the context of Public
Participation ?
% of articles in doubt
as cause of Climate
Change
Example:
No. peer-reviewed articles
dealing with Climate Change
published in scientific journals
during previous 10 years
928
No. articles dealing with climate
change published on popular
press for the last 14 years
626 53%
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
0%
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... What is the context of Public
Participation ?
What society do we want?
Projections on
World Energy
Consumption
Scenario 1
Scenario 2
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... What is the context of Public
Participation ?
Scenario 1:
BAU Business As Usual
Is the scenario that no one wants, but almost
everyone follows.
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
More terrorist attacks
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
More pipelines and terminals
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
Almada (A2)
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th8.00 – 9.00 am
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
Change in Temperature
Extinction in plant communities
(Source: Green Paper
– Adapting
change
in Europe
2007)
TRansfering
Actionsto
iN climate
Sustainable
mobility For
European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... What is the context of Public
Participation ?
What society do we want?
Projections on
World Energy
Consumption
Scenario 1
Scenario 2
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... What is the context of Public
Participation ?
Scenario 2:
F4 Do twice as much with half the resources
Is the scenario that (almost) everyone wants,
but almost no one follows.
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
Reduce drastically private car
use on daily journeys
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
Create rural employment on
renewable energy
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
Topics
... Why do we need Public Participation?
... What is the context of Public Participation?
... Ideas and concepts behind Public Participation
... How to set up a Public Participation Program
... Conclusions
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... Ideas and concepts behind
Public Participation
Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public
Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in
Environmental Matters [European Directive 2003/4/CE]
 Adopted on 25th June 1998 in the Danish city of Aarhus at
the 4th Ministerial Conference on “Environment for
Europe”
 Agreement on linking environmental rights and human
rights
 Establishes that sustainable development can be achieved
only through the involvement of all stakeholders
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... Ideas and concepts behind
Public Participation
3 Pillars of Aarhus Convention
1. Right of public access to environmental information
2. Right of public participation in environmental decisionmaking
3. Right of public access to justice on environmental matters
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... Ideas and concepts behind
Public Participation
Public participation pillar of Aarhus Convention
 Should take place during the preparation of plans and
programs relating to the environment, within a transparent
and fair framework
 The necessary information should be provided to the
public
 Time-frames should be sufficient for effective participation
 Citizens should be encouraged to take part on the
discussions
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... Ideas and concepts behind
Public Participation
Aarhus Convention
“ Although regional in scope, the significance of the Aarhus
Convention is global. It is by far the most impressive elaboration of
principle 10 of the Rio Declaration, which stresses the need for
citizen's participation in environmental issues and for access to
information on the environment held by public authorities. As such, it
is the most ambitious venture in the area of environmental
democracy so far undertaken under the auspices of the United
Nations."
Kofi A. Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... Ideas and concepts behind
Public Participation
Main steps of planning and decision-making
processes
PROBLEM
Issue
DIAGNOSIS
SOLUTIONS
Plans, Alternatives
DECISION
EVALUATION
IMPLEMENTATION
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... Ideas and concepts behind
Public Participation
Main steps of planning and decision-making
processes
PROBLEM
Issue
SOLUTIONS
DIAGNOSIS
Plans, Alternatives
PP
PP
PP
PP
EVALUATION
IMPLEMENTATION
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
DECISION
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... Ideas and concepts behind
Public Participation
Main steps of planning, decision-making and
implementation processes
PROBLEM
Issue
DIAGNOSIS
SOLUTIONS
Plans, Alternatives
Public Participation
EVALUATION
IMPLEMENTATION
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
DECISION
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... Ideas and concepts behind
Public Participation
Main steps of planning, decision-making and
implementation processes
PROBLEM
Issue
DIAGNOSIS
SOLUTIONS
Plans, Alternatives
Public Participation
EVALUATION
IMPLEMENTATION
Information | Communication
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
DECISION
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... Ideas and concepts behind
Public Participation
Information  Communication  Participation
 When you communicate, your speech has 3 components
that influence the listener in different ways:
- Word 7%
- Tone of voice 38%
- Body language 55%
 Among the ones that listen to you,
- 80% don’t care at all !
- 20% will be happy because you have problems !!
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... Ideas and concepts behind
Public Participation
Information  Communication  Participation
 A positive communication attitude and speech is very
important
 The interpretations on what you say depend on
- cultural sensitivities
- emotions
- perspectives
- values and priorities
- social “role”
- change with the interaction
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
29%
other
religions
or
atheists
19%
33%
Christians
19%
Muslims
Hindus
Budhists
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... Ideas and concepts behind
Public Participation
Exercise:
Barriers to communication: Different perceptions
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
Topics
... Why do we need Public Participation?
... What is the context of Public Participation?
... Ideas and concepts behind Public Participation
... How to set up a Public Participation Program
... Conclusions
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
How to set up a Public Participation Program
 A Public Participation Programs aims at,
generating better supported decisions
achieving a commitment with the chosen solution/
project/ plan (… sharing responsibilities)
… trying to help others to learn and change
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
How to set up a Public Participation Program
However, there is a limited consensus as to,
 How to do it?
 When should it take place?
 What should be the results?
 How to measure its success?
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Three stages for designing an effective Public
Participation Program
Stage 1. Analysis of decision making process
Stage 2. Public Participation Planning (link the
techniques in an integrated plan)
Stage 3. Implementation Planning
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
… where does decision-making takes place ?
PROBLEM
Issue
DIAGNOSIS
SOLUTIONS
Plans, Alternatives
DECISION
EVALUATION
IMPLEMENTATION
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Stage 1. Analysis of decision making process

Clarify the decision being made

Identify who will make the decision and how it will be
made
Specify the planning/decision-making steps and
schedule
Decide whether public involvement is needed and for
what purpose (ex: the process may consider to have only one


option, giving the public a Yes/No choice)
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Stage 1. Analysis of decision making process

Clarify the decision being made

Identify who will make the decision and how it will be
made
Specify the planning/decision-making steps and
schedule
TIP
Decide whether public involvement
is needed and for
decisions
what purpose (ex: the processSome
may consider
to have only one


not require PP
option, giving the public a Yes/Nodo
choice)
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Stage 2. Public Participation planning
This phase specifies the public participation techniques that should be
used, as well as their sequence and time
 Identify the public participation team
When the decision-maker is not involved, usually is more inclined to
ignore the results of the PP process. Do not always get the intensity
of the message (how strong people feel).
TIP
Decision makers
should have an
active role on PP
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Stage 2. Public Participation planning
 Specify what needs to be accomplished with the
public at each step of the planning/decision making
process (problem identification, diagnosis, alternative solutions,
decision …)
TIP
Write a 1 or 2 sentence
of the issues/ problem
being solved
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Stage 2. Public Participation planning
 Identify the stakeholders – internal and external
Once the issues that are likely to emerge during PP process are
identified, it is easy to identify people who are most likely to be
concerned with those issues, the “Stakeholders”.
“Stakeholders” are people who perceive themselves as having an
important role on the decision.
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
WHO ARE THE STAKEHOLDERS WE WANT TO ENGAGE ?
Architects
Energy
Agencies
Professional
Associations
Cultural
Associations
Journalists
Trade Unions
Energy Utilities
Politicians
Financial
institutions
Consumer Associations
Tourism
Associations
Law experts
Public
Transport Operators
House owners
NGOs
Economists
Companies
.. etc...
Urban Planners
Parishes
Workers
Cyclists Association
Universities
Building Societies
Artists
Citizens
Shop owners
Youth
Local Associations
Schools
Children
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Stage 2. Public Participation planning
 Access the level of controversy
There is no magic way to predict controversy, but there are
“indicators” of probable controversy…
… significance of impacts
… there has been a prior controversy on the same issue
… the issue touches a local political topic and is the basis of
a political debate
… the issue is the total reason of existence of a stake holder
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Stage 2. Public Participation planning
 Access the level of controversy
There is no magic way to predict controversy, but there are
“indicators” of probable controversy…
… significance of impacts
… there has been a prior controversy on the same issue
TIP
… the issue touchesIna respect
local political
topic and is the basis of
to controversy
a political debate
issues, you should be
proactive (access previously),
… the issue is the total reason
of existence of a stake holder
rather than reactive
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Stage 2. Public Participation planning
 Identify techniques to be used at each step in the
process, taking into account the needs of diverse
populations
The techniques and methods depend on several subjects:
… the complexity of the problem and the solutions
… the target population (stakeholders) to involve, their
skills, knowledge about the problem/issue/solution,
number
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Stage 2. Public Participation planning
 Identify techniques to be used at each step in the
process, taking into account the needs of diverse
populations
The techniques and methods depend on several subjects:
… level of participation required and how the will we use the
information
… time and amount of resources (money, people)
… any special circumstances.
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Stage 2. Public Participation planning
 Identify techniques to be used at each step in the
process, taking into account the needs of diverse
populations
The techniques and methods depend on several subjects:
TIP
… level of participation
required and how the will we use the
informationSpecial circumstances are…
Cultural and ethnic sensitivities
… time and amount
of resources (money, people)
Interest of national stakeholders
… any specialPolitical
circumstances.
sensitivities
Level of interest
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
agreement
known
LEVEL of
AGREEMENT
Simple
solutions and
consensus
(ex: Schools,
Health Centres)
SOLUTIONS
to overcome
the problem
unknown
Try new
solutions and
consensus
(ex: Rehabilitation
of old industrial
areas)
non-agreement
Simple
solutions, but
need to build
consensus
(ex: Industrial Park,
landfill)
Redefine the
problem
(ex: Definition of
Policies on nature
conservation)
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
agreement
known
LEVEL of
AGREEMENT
Simple
solutions and
consensus
(ex: Schools,
Health Centres)
SOLUTIONS
to overcome
the problem
unknown
Try new
solutions and
consensus
(ex: Rehabilitation
of old industrial
areas)
non-agreement
Simple
solutions, but
need to build
consensus
(ex: Industrial Park,
landfill)
Redefine the
problem
(ex: Definition of
Policies on nature
conservation)
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
agreement
known
SOLUTIONS
to overcome
the problem
unknown
LEVEL of
AGREEMENT
Simple
solutions and
consensus
(ex: Schools,
Energy
Efficiency
inHealth
TrafficCentres)
Lights
Try new
solutions and
consensus
(ex: Rehabilitation
Light Rail Systems
of old industrial
areas)
non-agreement
Simple
solutions, but
need to build
consensus
(ex: Industrial
Parking Park,
landfill)
Regulations
Redefine the
problem
(ex: Definition of
Policies on nature
Congestion
conservation)
charge
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
Example
2003 → 2008
30 Participation Forums + Open Meetings in Boroughs
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PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
Example
2003 → 2008
200 Outdoors; 1million flyers and leaflets…
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PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
Example
Name: MST, Metro Sul do Tejo (South Tagus Metro)

… but in Portugal “Metro” means “Undergroung”
part of Almada Population thought MST
was an underground infrastructure
(Citizen Movement “Don’t cut Almada in two”)
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PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Stage 2. Public Participation planning
 Identify techniques to be used at each step in the
process, taking into account the needs of diverse
populations.
Depending on the level of interaction,
- PASSIVE (Information Providing Techniques)
- INFORMATIVE/CONSULTATION (Information Gathering
Techniques)
- INTERACTIVE/MOBILISATION (Interaction/Information
exchange techniques)
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PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
Participants take
initiative, independently
from public authorities
Mobilisation
Participants in more
elaborated analysis
and define actions
active
Interactive
Levels of
Participation
Participants are
consulted and their
ideas attended
Consultation
Informative
passive
Passive
Answers to questions
raised by participants
Participants are informed
on what happened and
will happen
Levels of
Interaction
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
low
high
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Stage 2. Public Participation planning
 Identify techniques to be used at each step in the
process, taking into account the needs of diverse
populations
- PASSIVE (Information Providing Techniques)
Briefings, Exhibits, Displays, Mailings containing technical reports,
Conferences, Newsletters, Press Releases, Public Service
Announcements, WEB pages
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Stage 2. Public Participation planning
 Identify techniques to be used at each step in the
process, taking into account the needs of diverse
populations
- INFORMATIVE/CONSULTATION (Information Gathering
Techniques)
Focus groups, mail-in response forms, polls, opinion surveys,
questionnaires
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Stage 2. Public Participation planning
 Identify techniques to be used at each step in the
process, taking into account the needs of diverse
populations
- INTERACTIVE/MOBILISATION (Interaction/Information
exchange techniques)
Advisory groups, Hotlines, Interviews, Public Hearings, Paid
Advertisements, Public Meetings, Workshops, Forums
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PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Who needs to be on the planning team?
Almada | March 25th
Stage 2.
Public
Participation
planning
What are the issues and who are the
Stakeholders for the decision?
What is the probable level of controversy?
How do we prepare for it?
For each step in the decision-making process:
What do we want to accomplish with the public?
What does the public need to
know to participate effectively?
What do we need to learn from the public?
What circumstances affect the selection
of participation techniques?
Which participation techniques
are appropriate?
WRITE THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Stage 3. Implementation planning
 Plan the implementation of individual public
participation activities. For example,
… Develop a workshop agenda
… Decide where meetings will be held
… Decide who will facilitate the meeting
… Decide who will make the presentation
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Three stages for designing an effective Public
Participation Program
Stage 1. Analysis of decision making process
Stage 2. Public Participation Planning (link the
techniques in an integrated plan)
Stage 3. Implementation Planning
And then implement your program!!
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... How to set up a Public Participation
Program?
Three stages for designing an effective Public
Participation Program
Stage 1. Analysis of decision making process
Stage 2. Public Participation Planning (link the
techniques in an integrated plan)
Stage 3. Implementation Planning
TIP
Note
that program!!
you have to do
And then implement
your
all this … in a good mood
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PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
Topics
... Why do we need Public Participation?
... What is the context of Public Participation?
... Ideas and concepts behind Public Participation
... How to set up a Public Participation Program
... Conclusions
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... Conclusion
Conclusions
 There is no one-size-fits-all approach on public
participation, nor a public participation program that fits
every decision and issue;
 There is no public participation technique that works in
all circumstances;
 When we have a successful public participation process,
actually we are talking about using techniques that
matched that purpose and reached the stakeholders;
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
... Conclusion
Conclusions
 You can follow certain rules, however new questions
might arise when designing any public participation
program;
 Be inventive, be creative …
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Impossible dreams …
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
You have already succeeded at home
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
It is possible to change!!
Yes we can !!
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
PIMMS TRANSFER Master Class 2009
Almada | March 25th
Obrigada !
[email protected]
Sustainable Environmental Management and Planning Department
City Council of Almada, Portugal
TRansfering Actions iN Sustainable mobility For European Regions