Public Engagement: Regional Context is Key

Presentation Description: Stakeholder engagement goes beyond the permitting process and is an integral process across the project’s lifecycle. Stakeholder engagement is increasingly being given greater prominence by investors, as well as local people themselves expecting a greater degree of information, input and benefit sharing in energy projects. Understanding the regional context is key. A meaningful stakeholder engagement plan will take into account community dynamics and will be framed to achieve maximum buy-in. Clarifying issues and gaining insights to validate the engagement process helps to build strong and effective relationships with the community. An integrated project team is key to validate stakeholder insights and incorporate them into design and mitigation measures.