Constraints influencing stakeholder participation in collective environmental management

Abstract

Stakeholder participation is crucial for collective environmental management. This article unearths factors that influence stakeholder involvement, with emphasis on their associated origins. The management of a drainage canal in Map Ta Phut industrial estate, Thailand, was studied. Seven types of constraints were identified, namely: (a) distrust, generated from the lack of neutrality; sanction; sincerity; evidence of improvement; and denialism, (b) delay and slowness, created by characteristics of governmental procedures; geographically divided responsibility; the lack of willingness to participate; ineffective communication; limited budget; and misunderstandings, (c) information sharing in inappropriate manners, (d) an entrenched position originating from an allegation, past conflicts, and reminiscence, (e) unfairness and envy emerging from uneven distribution of benefits and inadequate infrastructure, (f) relationship abuse and fear of reprisals, and (g) community spoilage. Avoiding actions that create distrust, promoting activities that strengthen the relationship, sharing not only positive but also controversial information, understanding limitations of other stakeholders, being open-minded and forgiving, and self-evaluation and self-correction are ways to sustain successful stakeholder participation.