3. Criteria for Effective Participation

Then we have outcome-based criteria; these are participations from what we can achieve from the participations what are the outcomes it not necessary that if you follow a particular process an ideal process of participation it not necessary that it would deliver you a good outcome good effective outcome. So then outcome-based criterias we expect that what are the results expected desired results okay.

Outcome-based criteria focus on the results and benefits that arise from participation in public processes. Just following a set process does not guarantee positive outcomes. Instead, the emphasis should be on clear expectations for what the participation aims to achieve. This means that participants should be aware of the intended outcomes from the beginning.

Consider a school project where students follow a strict guideline for presentation. Just following the guidelines doesn’t ensure a good presentation; instead, students should have a clear understanding of what they want to communicate and the impact they wish to achieve.

So based on that we can actually develop these frameworks. On the left-hand side we have process of public participation, on the right-hand side, we have outcomes of public participation like for the process of public participations we may consider early engagement of the community and representations of. So early engagement of the community it means that community should be involved from the very beginning of the participations.

Effective public participation starts with 'early engagement' of the community, meaning that people need to be involved from the outset. This includes understanding the existing problems before any plans are made. Furthermore, representation is crucial; all segments of the community should be included to address diverse perspectives and needs.

Imagine planning a community garden. If organizers only ask for input after the garden is designed, they might miss important needs of various community members, like accessibility for seniors or space for children to play.

The third criteria process-based is the clear and agreed objective at the outset. Many cases that we discussed with the community but we do not have any agreed objectives, or maybe we do not have any clear objectives. It is always evolving, so it is better to make a very clear objectives. … Then another one is that continued engagement of the community okay it is not that you asked them invited them to participate in the very beginning and then you forgot them.

It is essential to set clear and agreed-upon objectives at the beginning of any participatory process, providing the community with a roadmap of expected outcomes. In addition, continued engagement is critical; participants shouldn't be ignored after the initial meetings. They should be involved throughout the entire planning and implementation process.

Think of a cooking class where the teacher doesn't explain the recipe until the end. If students know what they're making from the start and can ask questions along the way, they’ll feel more a part of the cooking process.

Fairness: fairness is a kind of component that we discussed that we are saying that okay is sometimes people participate but it is just a physical participations they do not have any power or the freedom to express their own opinions. … So that should not happen, everybody should have the fair and equal right to discuss and suggest on disaster risk management.

Fairness in participation means that all individuals have the right and ability to express their opinions and contribute equally to discussions. This includes ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and valued, preventing domination by certain groups over others.

In a soccer team, if only the stars are allowed to make decisions about strategies, the team's success might be limited. Each player, regardless of skill level, should have a chance to contribute ideas and strategies.

Capacity building means that the community in order to engage with other stakeholders to negotiate with other, to bargain with other, or to involve in discussions critical discussions they should have certain knowledge or skills. … Therefore they cannot effectively negotiate with the external agencies so they should have these power to bargain with the other so that we should improve their knowledge and capacity also they should be able to depend, trust themselves okay, this is important.

Capacity building is vital because it equips community members with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage in meaningful discussions with external stakeholders. This enables them to advocate for their needs effectively and builds their confidence in participating in decision-making processes.

Imagine a group trying to advocate for better public transport. If they have training on how to present data and communicate effectively with local officials, they’ll be more likely to achieve their goals.

And good facilitation process; there should be enough skill like face to face and using local language not to widen the scope of the program exercise. … Therefore they cannot effectively negotiate with the external agencies so they should have these power to bargain with the other so that we should improve their knowledge and capacity also they should be able to depend, trust themselves okay, this is important.

Effective facilitation is essential for productive participation. This includes using local languages and employing skilled facilitators who can create an inclusive environment. Additionally, leveraging local knowledge—understanding community customs, resources, and history—enhances participation and makes projects more effective.

In a community meeting about a local park, a facilitator who speaks the local language and understands the community's traditions can help everyone feel comfortable sharing their views and can help the discussion stay relevant to local needs.

Another one is the outcome of public participation, like participation should be successful in terms of implementations. It is not that we are making a plan we are talking and then we forgot about everything. … So we should make sure that a successful participation means that people get these ownerships from the project.

Public participation should not just end at planning; it needs to lead to clear accountability and transparency in process and outcomes. When stakeholders trust each other, conflicts can be resolved, and the community feels a sense of ownership over the outcomes of projects.

It's like organizing a community fundraiser. If everyone knows exactly how funds are being used and who is benefiting, trust builds. Participants feel ownership when they see the positive outcomes of their efforts.

And cost-effective, using local knowledge and other natural resources locally available resources and involving people their labour their roles and responsibilities would effectively reduce the cost that would be self-sustainable. … time effective that if the project should be finished within a particular time, tt should not be too long, should not be too short, so these are the criterias of public participations.

Effective public participation is characterized by both cost-effectiveness and time management. By utilizing local knowledge and resources, costs can be minimized, making projects more sustainable. Additionally, projects should have clear timelines to ensure they are completed efficiently without unnecessary delays.

When organizing a community festival, using local materials and talents can help cut costs. If planned with clear deadlines, everything can come together smoothly on the day of the event, ensuring a successful celebration without overspending.

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