Trust crisis behind PX fears

Jiaxing Mode: an example

Yu took Jiaxing of Zhejiang Province as an example of public participation. He introduced that through innovations within the environmental management mechanism and participating bodies, Jiaxing has transferred from local government’s single-side control to interactive and cooperative governance on environmental issues.

“Jiaxing environmental protection resident inspection group and expert service group conducted a joint research in April of 2010. The results showed that Jiaxing’s environmental and resource capacity was relatively low. It suggested the government reject a planned rubber project worth 10 billion yuan (US$1.6 billion) and in the end succeeded [in doing so],” he said.

Deputies to People's Congress, political advisors, representatives from the Communist Party of China, resident representatives, media, firms and experts are all invited to the environmental decision-making through a public hearing, consulting meeting, project introduction examination and approval meeting, and so on.

He used a public review system on administrative penalties in the environmental field as an example to demonstrate how public participation promotes sound interaction among the government, public and firms. Nanhu District of Jiaxing piloted this system, allowing the public to offer their opinions on the application of a law clause, remediation plan and fine amount in 2009.

“It not only embodies the public’s voice in environmental issues, but also relieves tensions between law enforcement agency and unlawful firm,” he said, “Dialogue and participation are helpful in creating the public’s sense of trust in the government and making wiser decisions.”