摘要 : Sustainable development and the Water Framework Directive demand stakeholder engagement and more specifically, public participation if they are to be successful. Indeed, signatories to the Aarhus Convention adopt a rights-based ap... 展开 Sustainable development and the Water Framework Directive demand stakeholder engagement and more specifically, public participation if they are to be successful. Indeed, signatories to the Aarhus Convention adopt a rights-based approach and guarantee rights of access to information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters. This paper explores the justification and need to involve the public in the decision-making process. It discusses the issues involved, the approach and technologies that can support and facilitate the participation process and the benefits that can flow from such involvement. It draws on practical experience gained from a long-term mapping and consultation project carried out for the Countryside Agency. Key points of interest and learning from the consultation process are discussed and recommendations are given for future public participation exercises. 收起