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That public opinion and the involvement of the public in decision-making
processes is a prerequisite for lasting achievements in river basin management
has become a fact beyond any dispute. The public involvement principle
applies to the Danube River Basin, too, and the force that drives it Europe-wide
is found in the EU Water Framework Directive which provides the political
frame and the technical platform for public participation activities ultimately
aimed at achieving a good status of waters as defined by the Directive,
and the conservation of aquatic ecosystems.
Active involvement of the public in the planning and decision making processes
from the very beginning of an environmental project improves the quality
of the project outcomes. In addition, it helps identify problems and resolve
possible conflicts at an early stage, guarantees transparency of the planning
process, increases public acceptance, makes use of the stakeholders’
knowledge and experience and strengthens public awareness about water
management and environmental issues.
Since its very beginning, the UNDP/GEF Danube Regional Project has placed
a lot of emphasis on public involvement and awareness raising. A large
part of the Project is oriented towards reinforcing the regional NGO network
through the Danube Environmental Forum (DEF), strengthening grassroots-level
community actions, developing and implementing a Danube River Basin communication
strategy, and providing better access to information – all ultimately
aimed at facilitating the reduction of water pollution. Based on the "Danube
River Basin Strategy for Public Participation in River Basin Management
Planning 2003-2009” all these activities are coordinated and should
support effective involvement of the public on all levels. The Danube
Regional Project is providing financial support for this issue of Danube
Watch as one of the current activities to enhance public participation.
The Danube Regional Project is currently moving from Phase 1 on to Phase
2 and thereby starting the implementation of concrete activities. Some
capacities already exist, but there is also a clear need to further strengthen
appropriate structures at the regional, national and local levels to assure
that the public is able to participate successfully in real-life planning
and in decision-making processes.
All stakeholders including community-based NGOs, professional associations,
consumer groups, the private sector, water utilities, and academic institutions
are invited to actively take part in the Danube River Basin management.
Let us all work together towards the essence of public participation:
working in partnership to ensure that those who are influenced by decisions
are involved in making them.
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