CITIZEN PARTICIPATION MECHANISMS WITHIN THE CHILEAN SYSTEM OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Abstract

This article studies citizen participation in the framework of the Chilean System of Environmental Impact Assessment. In particular, it analyzes the role of citizen participation mechanisms within this system. Using univariate and bivariate statistical analysis, 314 cases of investment projects carried out between 2010 and 2015, mediated by some degree of participation, are examined. Several variables are evaluated, such as the productive sector they belong to, investment sum, number of objections and activities in the participation process, among others. It is concluded that the procedures of environmental impact assessment evidence low citizen participation, scant objections and activities, whilst, at the same time, registering high favorable scores