Environmental mediation is a voluntary, clearly structured procedure in which all those affected by a project with environmental implications search together for a permanent solution.
They are assisted in this by professional, impartial mediators. Powers of decision remain with politicians and administrators. As an instrument for conflict solution and participation, environmental mediation is particularly suited to infrastructure projects, to proposals for erecting / expanding production facilities and to land-use planning.
The word “mediation“ is derived from Latin; the root meaning is ”go-between“. Mediation is in successful use to resolve conflicts in families, in schools and in firms, too.
Environmental mediation comprises mediation procedures in connexion with projects in which, apart from economic and social interests, considerations of environmental protection, of nature conservation, of the quality of life and of land development are central. In particular this applies to projects subject to environmental regulation or that may have an environmental impact (emissions, consumption of resources, exploitation of unspoilt nature, etc.).
The innovative feature of environmental mediation is that all stakeholders are included in the process of preparing a decision as partners on an equal footing, and that impartial mediators steer the process. Environmental mediation does not take the place of administrative approval procedures; instead, these are augmented, as additional aspects are taken into account. Mediation processes normally take place before an administrative or political decision is taken, so there is enough negotiating leeway for a consensual decision. As a result, stakeholders are more likely to accept the project and there are fewer formal objections, which makes life easier for administrators and lawcourts.