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following suggested categories: complete or well done; adequate; not well done; unknown. Additional
comments could provide further details or rationale and suggestions for improvement or next steps.
Table 13: Good practice principles and guiding questions to evaluate community participation in impact
assessments (Source: SAIEA, 2004)
Guiding Questions
Assessment
Principle: Appropriately Design the Process
Is the design flexible and creative? Does it take into account a range
of approaches and participatory methods? Is it custom-designed for
each situation?
Does it strive to redress social inequity and justice?
Are legislation and regulations fully complied with? Are they used as
minimum requirements and built upon further?
Principle: Understand Stakeholders and their Interests
Are social, political, and economic factors appropriately taken into
account? Examples include traditional authorities, government
agencies, cultural and gender considerations, literacy levels and
language, etc.
Is the approach based on a thorough understanding and appreciation
of stakeholder values, needs, and priorities, particularly those with
lesser power?
Are all stakeholders included in the process in fair and locally
appropriate ways?
Are marginalized groups sufficiently accommodated, with
opportunities to fully participate in the process?
Are all stakeholders treated with equality, respect, and sensitivity?
Do those involved in the assessment act with integrity and
commitment?
Is conflict anticipated? Does it include a process or plan for conflict
management?
Principle: Use Available Resources and Facilitators with Appropriate Skills
Is there sufficient budget for a full and successful participation
process?
Is there sufficient time provided for stakeholders to meaningfully
engage with the process?
Do all stakeholders have sufficient material support? Examples
include transportation, access to information, timing of events, length
of comment periods, etc.
Are the facilitators independent and sufficiently skilled? Are they
unbiased and free of vested interests in the process and outcomes?
Principle: Ensure Effective and Efficient Communication
Is there a central and continuous emphasis on communication with
stakeholders throughout all stages of the process, including design,
implementation, and outcomes of the assessment?
Is all information accessible and does it promote participation?
Considerations include use of plain language, translation into local
languages, accommodation of differing levels of literacy and
education, and use of print and electronic media.
Do the findings address the views, concerns, and issues raised?
Is the participation process adequately documented?
Principle: Expect and Address Conflict Proactively and Constructively
Is there ‘true’ dialogue between stakeholders, with sufficient
consideration of all concerns, values, traditions, perceptions, and
knowledge systems?
Is the process free of political influence and interference?
Is conflict appropriately managed and resolved, using both informal
and formal mechanisms? Is it viewed as a potential opportunity for
innovation and creative response?
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