Social Acceptability and Public Participation from the Perspective of Local Communities

1
Social Acceptability and Public Participation
from the Perspective ofLocal Communities

• Mr. Noli Abinales
• President, Buklod Tao Inc.

2

• Social acceptability (not social propaganda)
  means communities are convinced that the overall
  consequences of the project is beneficial to most
  people directly or indirectly affected by it.

3
When is social acceptability obtained?

• When conflicts between and among concerned
  parties are resolved and negotiated until such
  time that all are convinced of the merits of the
  project.

4
How can social acceptability, in terms of
governing laws and regulations, be crafted?

• It should be crafted via "proofs of social
  acceptability".

5
Compelling issues and factors to be considered
in social acceptability

• Ecological/environmental soundness of the project
• Effective implementation of the public
  participation process.
• Resolution of conflicts
• Promotion of social and intergenerational equity
  and poverty alleviation

6

• Which agency should be given the mandate on
  social acceptability issues?

7

• The Public Participation Paradigm vis-a-vis the
  social acceptability paradigm, what truly are the
  differences?

8
Common forms of Public Participation

• Public Hearing
• and
• Public Consultation

9
Other Avenues wherein Public Participation may be
insured

• preparation of baseline studies
• environmental impact identification, prediction
  and evaluation
• negotiation and conflict resolution
• environmental management planning
• environmental monitoring

10

• Analysis of the community survey on impact of
  quarrying activities