Applying the Participatory Planning Approach in the Environmental Impact Assessment for Development in Iran

Abstract
Assessment of human activities' environmental impacts is considered a major and fundamental topic in the development process. Despite scientific advancements and the use of qualitative methods in research, particularly participatory assessment methods, it is essential to conduct environmental assessments using new methods and techniques—especially those that can be implemented with the participation of development stakeholders. Given the importance of public participation in sustainable development, particularly in monitoring and evaluating development plans, this research aims to explore the possibility of applying a participatory planning approach in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for development in Iran from the perspective of experts. Additionally, it seeks to propose a participatory model for this process. The conceptual framework of this research integrates three key concepts: environmental impact assessment, citizen science, and participatory planning. Methodologically, the research is descriptive-analytical in nature. Explaining relationships is classified as exploratory research, and in terms of purpose, it is considered applied research. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with experts in Iran specializing in environmental impact assessment, science communication, and rural development. The data were then analyzed using a qualitative approach and thematic analysis. The results of the research, both theoretically and from the perspective of the sample community, indicate that it is possible to conduct EIA using methods similar to Participatory Rural Assessment (PRA). Consequently, participation can evolve from a basic level to a more advanced stage, creating the necessary conditions for enhancing sustainability in development.

Extended Abstract
1-Introduction
Development plans have always brought both positive and negative consequences, with the most significant impacts often felt by local communities. Evaluating the environmental effects of human activities is one of the central issues in the development process. Despite scientific advancements and the use of qualitative methods in research, particularly participatory assessment methods, there is a growing need to conduct environmental assessments using new methods and techniques—especially those that can be implemented with the participation of development stakeholders. Given the importance of public participation in sustainable development, particularly in monitoring and evaluating development plans, this research examines the possibility of applying a participatory planning approach in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for development in Iran from the perspective of experts. Additionally, it aims to propose a collaborative model for this process.
 
2-Materials and Methods

In the research methodology, a qualitative approach was adopted, utilizing in-depth interviews with 14 experts in the fields of environmental impact assessment, science communication studies, and rural development in Iran. All participants had at least five years of professional experience. In the first step, specific points raised by the respondents and recurring themes that reflected the experts' understanding of each question were identified and analyzed. In the second step, the opinions expressed by the interviewees were coded based on the text content, leading to the creation of basic themes under general headings. In the third step, similar codes were identified, and the basic themes were combined to form organizing themes (main categories). In the fourth step, overarching themes were developed, which distinguished and characterized the text. Finally, the frequency and categories of the themes were summarized and refined, either individually or in combination. The geographical scope of this study encompasses rural areas across the entire country, without focusing on a specific region. As the first step in applying scientific methods, the feasibility of using participatory techniques in the environmental assessment of development plans was evaluated by the experts.
 
3- Results and Discussion
The findings of the research were categorized into three general themes: the capacity of environmental assessment to become participatory, changes in environmental assessment, and the appropriate model for participatory environmental assessment. This study evaluated the feasibility of collaborative environmental assessment from the perspective of scientific experts in the field. From the experts' point of view, two distinct approaches to participation emerged: a) Participation within the framework of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) program: In this approach, the public is invited to participate through facilitation by evaluators, either by recognizing their role in the official assessment process or by establishing a cooperative procedure between the public and the evaluators. b) Participation outside conventional EIA: In this approach, the public takes the initiative to conduct EIA independently of official evaluators, often due to a desire for autonomy from project managers or to act as initiators. This results in a dual evaluation process involving both villagers and trustees. In this context, as people become more aware of the literature and evaluation perspectives, trustees, policymakers, and planners may be encouraged to prepare assessments, deepen initial evaluations, and reduce or correct negative impacts. If such actions are not taken by the authorities, villagers themselves, informed about the potential impacts, can make more informed decisions and plans for their lives. They may even persuade government managers responsible for plans and projects to prioritize environmental concerns. In both cases, participatory EIA provides an opportunity for public involvement in the environmental assessment process to move beyond the initial or preliminary stages and reach more advanced levels. Compared to formal EIA, the use of participatory models in EIA offers the potential to transform the structural and institutional framework of environmental assessment, serving as a platform for sustainable development.
4- Conclusion
Various collaborative methods can influence their beneficiaries differently, depending on their nature. A comparison of these methods reveals that collaborative environmental impact assessment (EIA) shares commonalities with other participatory approaches, highlighting its validity and significance among collaborative methods. This also provides a foundation for such evaluations. According to experts, the dimensions of assessment, combined with the level of participation, create different conditions and scenarios that describe the state of participatory EIA: a) Villager Cooperation in the Environmental Assessment Process: When villagers actively participate in the environmental assessment process, participatory EIA achieves its goal of strengthening the assessment, as intended in this field. This approach secures public support and ensures accountability from trustees and brokers involved in the development plan. b) Villagers as Self-Initiators with Facilitator Support: When villagers take on the role of self-initiators with the assistance of a facilitator, they become more capable in decision-making. The establishment of new local institutions or the strengthening of existing ones allows these experiences to become a valuable asset for the community. c) Higher Levels of Participation and Cooperative Decision-Making: When participation increases and evaluators cooperatively incorporate villagers' advice, the focus shifts from the considerations of trustees and experts to the needs and interests of the villagers. Together, they develop a more comprehensive and effective understanding of the development plan. As participation levels rise—from spontaneous involvement and demand to participatory and technical analysis, and eventually to joint working committees—the partnership in development reaches its highest level.