| Governments are beginning to realize the value of public input and are starting to experiment with collaborative forms of decision-making such as the multistakeholder approach. This study investigated whether citizens in three different communities, where the approach was being utilized, experienced the same barriers to participation, and how these barriers could be overcome. The sites selected for study were ACAP Saint John (New Brunswick), the Fundy Model Forest (New Brunswick), and the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve (Ontario). At each site a random sample survey of the public, and interviews with citizen stakeholders were conducted. Survey results indicate that at all sites the majority of citizens have not participated in the multistakeholder approach primarily because of lack of awareness of the organization overseeing the process and what it was trying to do; not knowing how to get involved; not having time to participate; and not knowing when or where meetings were being held. Subsequently, it was also found that if citizens received more information about the organization overseeing the process, they would be more inclined to participate in the future. At all sites, citizens indicated that they would feel comfortable participating by voicing their opinion to a stakeholder who represents their viewpoints; by calling the organization and speaking to a staff person; by attending meetings; and by writing a letter to the organization. Interview results indicated that at all three sites, the two most common barriers to citizens' direct participation in the process were: difficulty finding time to participate, and scheduling conflicts between meetings and other activities. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
