Partnerships and Stakeholders

Key aspects of sustainability include empowerment of local people, self-reliance and social justice (Chapter 4). One way to achieve those aspects is to move away from traditional forms of environmental and resource management which are dominated by professional experts in the government and private sector, and toward approaches which combine the experience, knowledge and understanding of various groups and people (Box 8.1). The words partnerships and stakeholders are often used to characterize an approach to include both organized interest groups and the general public into resource and environmental planning (Box 8.2). Box 8.1 The changes in human attitudes that we call for depend on a vast campaign of education, debate, and public participation.

…, environmental and economic problems are linked to many social and political factors. … It could be argued that the distribution of power and influence within society lies at the heart of most environment and development challenges. Hence new approaches must involve … local participation in decision making.

Source: World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987: 23, 38. Box 8.2 Partnership

A partnership is a mutually agreed arrangement between two or more public, private or non-governmental organizations to achieve a jointly determined goal or objective, or to implement a jointly determined activity, for the benefit of the environment and society.