Cadre et grands principes de la participation du public

Commissariat général au développement durableJan 10, 2023

Le principe de participation du public en matière environnementale (corollaire du principe d’information du public) est consacré par l’article 7 de la charte de l’environnement, qui a valeur constitutionnelle, ainsi que par le droit européen et par la convention d’Aarhus. Le ministère en charge de l’environnement a élaboré le cadre législatif et réglementaire de la participation du public aux décisions susceptibles d’avoir un impact sur l’environnement, qu’elles soient à l’initiative de l’Etat ou d’une collectivité ou que le projet soit porté par un maître d’ouvrage privé. Soutenant le principe que toute personne doit pouvoir participer à l’élaboration d’un projet qui la concerne, le ministère a également développé un référentiel sur les valeurs et principes d’un processus participatif vertueux : la charte de la participation du public. Celle-ci affirme que la participation du public est indispensable pour élaborer des projets durables, et pour améliorer leur qualité et leur légitimité. Ce dialogue permet de construire de la confiance entre les acteurs, en contribuant à une plus grande transparence sur la décision publique.

The principle of public participation in environmental matters (a corollary of the principle of public information) is enshrined in Article 7 of the Charter for the Environment, which has constitutional value, as well as by European law and the Aarhus Convention. The ministry responsible for the environment has developed the legislative and regulatory framework for public participation in decisions that may have an impact on the environment, whether initiated by the State or a local authority or carried out by a private project developer. Supporting the principle that everyone must be able to participate in the development of a project that concerns them, the ministry has also developed a framework on the values and principles of a virtuous participatory process: the Charter for Public Participation. This affirms that public participation is essential for developing sustainable projects and improving their quality and legitimacy. This dialogue helps build trust between stakeholders by contributing to greater transparency in public decision-making.

3 chapters

The two stages of public participation
Overview
Public participation in the process of developing projects and plans or programmes that may have an impact on the environment occurs in two stages:
Upstream participation
upstream, during the development of the plan or project: this includes public debate procedures (L.121-8 et suiv.) or prior consultation (L.121-15-1 et suiv.). Their purpose is to involve the public in developing the plan or project at a stage when all options are still open, making it possible in particular to question the relevance of the project;
Downstream participation
downstream, at the stage of approving the plan or authorizing the project: this includes public enquiry procedures (L.123-2 et suiv.), public participation through electronic means (L.123-19) or the public participation mechanism outside specific procedures (L.123-19-1 et suiv.). This consultation concerns a finalized file (plan/programme or project ready to be approved/authorized).
Forms of public consultation
Two distinct participation types
These two types of public participation, occurring at different stages, therefore do not have the same objective.
Consultation methods
Public input can be sought in various ways, which may be combined: public meetings, participatory workshops, surveys, suggestion boxes, digital platforms, participatory budgeting, citizen assemblies…
Civic dynamics beyond regulatory procedures
Civic mobilization and initiatives
Beyond public participation in the development of projects, plans and programmes, civic dynamics also contribute to public debate in the broader sense, through the societal mobilization they generate or the experimentation they bring. These citizen initiatives are developing widely to meet the challenge of ecological transition, with everyone having a place and a role to play.

Further reading

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