TY - JOUR

T1 - What Role for Public Participation in Implementing the EU Floods Directive? A comparison with the Water Framework Directive, early evidence from Germany, and a research agenda

AU - Newig, Jens

AU - Challies, Ed

AU - Jager, Nicolas Wilhelm

AU - Kochskämper, Elisa

PY - 2014/7

Y1 - 2014/7

N2 - We examine the roles and functions of non-state actor participation in implementing the EU Floods Directive of 2007 (FD). We draw on experiences with participation under the Water Framework Directive (WFD), because of important links between the two directives. Comparing the legal bases and the different functions for participation, we observe the paradoxical situation that while the WFD has fervently advocated public participation public interest has remained low, whereas the FD is less sanguine about participation despite citizens being potentially more affected by flood management issues - particularly given the current trend towards a 'risk management' approach under the FD. Our examination of current FD implementation in Germany reveals a considerable variety of participation approaches, as well as a general trend to 'less' rather than 'more' participation as compared with the WFD. The paper closes by discussing implications for future flood management planning and avenues for comparative research.

AB - We examine the roles and functions of non-state actor participation in implementing the EU Floods Directive of 2007 (FD). We draw on experiences with participation under the Water Framework Directive (WFD), because of important links between the two directives. Comparing the legal bases and the different functions for participation, we observe the paradoxical situation that while the WFD has fervently advocated public participation public interest has remained low, whereas the FD is less sanguine about participation despite citizens being potentially more affected by flood management issues - particularly given the current trend towards a 'risk management' approach under the FD. Our examination of current FD implementation in Germany reveals a considerable variety of participation approaches, as well as a general trend to 'less' rather than 'more' participation as compared with the WFD. The paper closes by discussing implications for future flood management planning and avenues for comparative research.

KW - Sustainability Science

KW - environmental planning

KW - environmental policy

KW - European Union

KW - flood control

KW - implementation process

KW - participatory approach

KW - policy approach

KW - risk assessment

UR - https://www.mendeley.com/catalogue/9b36404b-d8ec-3ea3-aede-f11196eac245/

U2 - 10.1002/eet.1650

DO - 10.1002/eet.1650

M3 - Journal articles

VL - 24

SP - 275

EP - 288

JO - Environmental Policy and Governance

JF - Environmental Policy and Governance

SN - 1756-932X

IS - 4

ER -