Stakeholder Reporting Requirements - Impact of Disclosure on Social Perception and Acceptance

Almost all investors, either in public or in private sector, are reluctant to disclose details related to the projects. It seems that Investors consider that disclosing process shall be limited let alone that stakeholder reporting shall be in place since the very beginning of a project.

The question arises if it is possible to identify stakeholder requirements without disclosure process or with limited disclosure process.

However, infrastructure projects cannot take place without securing access to the land. The goal cannot be achieved if the land and right of way is not acquired in a legal way whereby concerns of people affected or not affected have to be addressed in an appropriate manner what would enable the project developer to undertake adequate mitigation measures.

As a precondition disclosing process would have to be established when planning infrastructure projects. It does not mean that disclosure would result in a positive social perception and spontaneously guarantee public acceptance, but would establish communication channels and dialog with stakeholders in order to better understand stakeholders’ needs.

If disclosing process is late, stakeholders’ reactions would be more severe than in case that they are timely informed about coming infrastructure projects and potential impacts.

Identification of stakeholders requires a survey work in the fields and trained and experienced people that would be dedicated to social research. Each further phase would be a continuation and upgrade of the identification phase that assumes: disclosing process, reporting, negotiations and mitigation measures.