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Stakeholder Partnership Promotes Integration

One of the more important requirements of Agenda 21 is to integrate environmental, economic and social concerns in planning and decision-making processes (e.g., Chapter 8). While many countries tried to do this, there have been strong indications that effective integration has remained elusive. One reason given in the draft Asian Environment Outlook prepared by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is that "meshing environment goals with economic goals simply is not a priority in most nations." Another reason is the lack of understanding and appreciation of sustainable development as a concept (i.e. it has tended to be equated with environment) as cited in a study on NGO participation in environmental governance. But the greater reason is the lack of avenues for discussion, consensus and partnership among stakeholder groups. Given the opportunity and proper venue, stakeholders themselves will ensure that their respective concerns are considered, prioritized and balanced with those of the others in pursuing development activities such planning and project implementation. The key element of success to such an exercise is the essence of partnership, i.e., " a relationship of equal standing where each partner actively participates, puts in best efforts, seeks synergies and avoids overlap and duplication of efforts".

See also
Partnership with Stakeholders is Good Governance
Involving stakeholders in policy formulation, implementation and monitoring

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