Project Understanding and Reduction of Public Opposition

Real participation will help to reach a broad public support for the final plan and reduce the public opposition in the execution phase of the project. In contrast, late or inefficient public participation leads to opposing the project.

For example, in Bangladesh, the dikes constructed at great expense as part of a centralized flood control program, are often cut open by farmers to allow water to reach their crops during the dry season. During the monsoon season, the same holes in the dike lead to flooding.

Public consultation, participation and involvement in the early stages of the project can prevent the dissemination of rumours and the rise of negative perceptions which are very difficult to change once they take root.