Self-organization/self-mobilization of affected communities in impact assessment and decision-making: A case study in the Atrato River (Colombia)

Abstract

Public participation in decision-making is one of the core principles of Impact Assessment. However, the mechanisms and processes that communities use to build organizational, consensual and knowledge capacities to get involved in decisions are yet to be better known. This paper aims to explore the implications of self-organized and self-mobilized participation in decision-making processes in the context of the Constitutional Ruling T-622/2016, which recognized the rights of the Atrato River (Colombia) to be healthy and ecologically supportive to the different populations, thus triggering a series of governmental actions supported by Impact Assessment. Through an exploratory approach guided by participant observation and supported by literature review, documentary research and interviews, it was revealed that social inequity and violence resulting both from governmental neglect and the lack of social and environmental rights are the main drivers of mobilization, followed by the violation of the community's traditional ties with the environment and, also, the coordination between grassroots communities and external actors. According to our findings, early meetings among stakeholders grounded on a balanced share of influence on decisions contributed to promote synergies in Impact Assessment and decision-making, thus leading to the previous identification of the likely causes of socio-environmental degradation and alternatives to mitigation.