Planning hydroelectric power plants with the public: a case of organizational and social learning in Mexico

For different reasons, the need to bring public participation to the planning process of hydroelectric power plants has increased around the world. This represents a challenge for the public and for the utility companies. In a context where stakeholders have little or no experience in participatory decision-making, the incorporation of public participation in an environmental impact assessment requires a social and organizational learning process. This paper presents findings of an experience of participatory assessment conducted in five municipalities of two states in western Mexico. In this experience, public participation was conceived as a long-term process that starts in the early stages of the assessment and continues during the construction and operation of the power plant. Methods and strategies used emphasized the need to blend technical knowledge and popular beliefs about environmental change, and to create opportunities for social interaction based on trust. Stakeholders worked together to develop strategies for impact mitigation that would be socially acceptable. The paper explains the participatory process, highlighting the strategies used to overcome challenges. We present findings regarding the connection between progress in the social and organizational learning process and the willingness of stakeholders to participate in a consensus-building effort that contributes to identifying mitigation measures and areas of opportunity for regional development and environmental sustainability.