Protecting the 'Na Plachtě' natural monument from development. A case study on the importance of public participation in environmental protection
Na Plachtě is located at the south-eastern edge of Hradec Králové where over the past 20 years conflicts of interests between environmentalists and local developers have arisen concerning the development and commercial use of the site. This case study is concerned with the importance of public participation in environmental issues and describes the specific opportunities for influencing environmental decision-making. The author refers to specific events which eventually resulted in the declaration of the Na Plachtě site as a “natural monument”; she also investigates opportunities for changing the landscape plan which would strengthen protection against any construction on the site. Other possibilities for influencing decision-making about issues of concern to the general public and which have an impact on the work of regional representatives are also discussed.