Reply #11: There are cooperative agreements that have worked. [View All]

[kristopher]

It is a complex topic where a lot of variables come into play. There isn't a one-size-fits-all explanation or solution.

In some cases it (public opposition) is justified, and the process of public participation in decision-making is important to maintain. For example, the peat bogs in England are an extremely sensitive environment that cam be drastically altered - read "killed" - by even the building of a road. My experience is that a strong localized focus on ensuring the public receives accurate information is the best single thing working for these types of projects. The fact is that the benefits nearly always outweigh the costs and when those are known, public acceptance largely follows.

There does exist a problem with people fearful of change being encouraged with misinformation (you see it pop up here sometimes) but that is a separate issue that is difficult to deal with in direct negotiations between stakeholders.