Public involvement and EIA

Abstract

The National Power Corporation (NPC) proposed the Binongan hydroelectric project as the first stage in a plan to develop the hydroelectric potential of the Abra river basin in Northern Philippines. Although the project was attractive economically, it was ultimately withdrawn because of intense resistance to proposed and suspected resettlements. Inadequacies in the NPC's strategy for involving the local public in planning fuelled opposition to the project. Opportunities to use the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process to keep the public informed were not exploited. The Binongan case demonstrates the need to develop effective strategies for EIA and public involvement, even in countries where it is not customary to involve the public in water resources planning.