Public participation and stakeholder involvement improves changes for timely implementation and also improves the final result.


Include all the relevant actors into the process

Planners should utilise both legally binding and non-binding tools, such as strategic plans, when integrating climate change information into local and regional plans. Planners can utilise interactive participation processes to go further than what is legally required. Participation is a cornerstone of sustainable development and a requirement for strategic environmental processes. Emphasising the public participation throughout the planning process not only improves changes for timely implementation, but also improves the final result. 

Guarantee transparent and open process by participation

Participation can make the the results ofplanning more likely to be accepted. The earlier and the more seriously that relevant actors and those who have to bear consequences of planning are integrated, the better. This will raise their acceptance of the final planning results; raise their support and participation in the implementation. Furthermore, if stakeholders feel heard and that their interests are considered in the planning processes, they will be more likely to understand and accept the final result, whether or not their own ideas are visible in the final results. 

Increase the commitment of the stakeholders by participation

Participation of the residents. They know the situation in the local area and can provide valuable information concerning their current behaviour, e.g. in terms of consumption and transport.

Participation of the landowners. Their involvement can provide more transparency to the process, as well as new opportunities for development through their cooperation. Participation of the politicians creates a possibility for the dialogue and strengthens the support for the future implantation.

Participation of the politicians creates a possibility for the dialogue and strengthens the support for the future implantation.

Participation of the climatologists and other scientists will ensure the use of the latest scientific information and new innovations in the process.

Participation of the media. Public recognition plays an important role when increasing the commitment of different stakeholders. Through media releases, web pages, social media etc., the public can learn about and commit to the planning process. Different campaigns, symbolic events and contests can increase the knowledge and create a political atmosphere supporting  mitigation and adaptation efforts.

The learning process which takes place during the planning processes should not be underestimated. Involving the stakeholders will give an opportunity for all the participants to learn about the effects of climate change in their region. This involvement will also, in a balanced way, allow for integration of climate change mitigation and adaptation into the planning processes.


See also other categories in planning for climate change mitigation and adaptation:

» Local climate and the future climate scenarios
» Compact and diverse urban structure
» Sustainable transportation
» Energy efficiency
» Comfortable and healthy environment
» Strategic planning
» Costs