Access to Participation

Social participation is still fragile in the states of the Legal Amazon

The Access to Participation dimension was assessed on the basis of 35 indicators, which consider the standards and functioning of three types of participatory spaces: State Environmental Councils, Conservation Unit Councils and public hearings in environmental licensing processes.

The results show that social participation still faces structural and operational obstacles in the region. Among the challenges is the low representation of women, indigenous peoples and traditional communities in many participatory spaces, little support for the participation of councillors in meetings and deficits in published information.

The average for the nine states of the Legal Amazon was just 31.7 points, an evaluation considered "bad". Mato Grosso (42.4) and Amapá (40.9) were the only states with a "fair" performance. On the other hand, Acre (27.5) and Roraima (13.7) were among the worst performers. The Federal Executive had the best overall score, but with only 49.7 points, also within the "regular" range.

Among the three types of bodies evaluated, environmental councils showed the best results. Public environmental licensing hearings and conservation unit councils were the most problematic.

Highlights of the Access to Participation dimension: 

• Average for the nine states of the Legal Amazon: 31.7 points - "bad" rating

• Best states: Mato Grosso (42.4 points) and Amapá (40.9 points) - "regular"

• Worst states: Acre (27.5 points) and Roraima (13.7 points) - "bad" and "terrible"

• Best overall performance: Federal Executive, with 49.7 points - "fair"

• Environmental councils had the best results; public hearings were the most critical point

• Low inclusion of vulnerable groups, with a lack of measures to support and promote diversity