TY - JOUR

T1 - The Role of Public Participation in Managing Uncertainty in the Implementation of the Water Framework Directive

AU - Newig, Jens

AU - Pahl-Wostl, Claudia

AU - Sigel, Katja

PY - 2005/11

Y1 - 2005/11

N2 - The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) constitutes a complex regulation that calls for numerous decisions under uncertainty on the part of the implementing agencies in the member states. This contribution first discusses two different types of uncertainty that may arise in the implementation of the WFD and identifies ways to manage them. Results of a text analysis show that uncertainties are not systematically addressed either in the directive itself or in CIS guidance documents. This paper shows that an important instrument to both manage and, where possible, reduce uncertainty is the participation of interested parties and the broader public. The focus lies on the perspective of the competent authority that has the responsibility to develop and implement the management plan. The paper concludes with recommendations of how to profit from public participation in managing uncertainty but also of where to look out for possible stumbling blocks.

AB - The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) constitutes a complex regulation that calls for numerous decisions under uncertainty on the part of the implementing agencies in the member states. This contribution first discusses two different types of uncertainty that may arise in the implementation of the WFD and identifies ways to manage them. Results of a text analysis show that uncertainties are not systematically addressed either in the directive itself or in CIS guidance documents. This paper shows that an important instrument to both manage and, where possible, reduce uncertainty is the participation of interested parties and the broader public. The focus lies on the perspective of the competent authority that has the responsibility to develop and implement the management plan. The paper concludes with recommendations of how to profit from public participation in managing uncertainty but also of where to look out for possible stumbling blocks.

KW - Sustainability Science

KW - Sustainability sciences, Communication

KW - Common implementation strategy

KW - Informational uncertainty

KW - Normative uncertainty

KW - Public decision-making

KW - Public involvement

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=29344470544&partnerID=8YFLogxK

UR - https://www.mendeley.com/catalogue/1b8378da-7404-3999-ba9a-17574cc7f920/

U2 - 10.1002/eet.398

DO - 10.1002/eet.398

M3 - Journal articles

VL - 15

SP - 333

EP - 343

JO - European Environment

JF - European Environment

SN - 0961-0405

IS - 6

ER -