Conclusions

Abstract

In this volume we focus on the functional advantages for government of participatory processes for decision-making. These functional advantages are specific promises that participation holds. The key promise of participation in this volume is that it leads to better decisions. The main question this volume seeks to answer is what limits and enables information in public participation to lead to better decisions? All chapters in this volume either focus on the use of a particular participatory method in environmental decision-making or on a particular type of environmental related decision-making using participatory methods. The analyses are used as a basis for a review and assessment of the central theme: the relation between the limitations of participation arrangements and decision quality. © 2009 Springer Netherlands.