Public participation best practices in environmental decision-making in Newfoundland and Labrador - analyzing the forestry management planning process

Abstract

Public participation may improve the quality of environmental management decisions, however, the quality of such decisions depend on the quality of the participatory process. This research examines elements seen as essential for successful public participation in Newfoundland and Labrador. It also seeks to determine whether the 2014-2024 Provincial Sustainable Forest Management Strategy (PSFMS) consultation process met the best practices criteria emerging from the literature. The research used an exploratory case study strategy to consider the specified process, with data collection methods including formal semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The findings of this research revealed that although not all of the eight best practices outlined by Reed were present in the case analyzed, they are applicable guidelines for future forest management participation processes in Newfoundland and Labrador. Two additional best practices were also identified as important for successful public engagement in the province.