IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation

The International Association for Public Participation's five-level framework for designing stakeholder engagement processes. The spectrum defines five levels of increasing public impact: Inform (provide balanced and objective information), Consult (obtain public feedback on analysis and decisions), Involve (work directly with the public throughout the process), Collaborate (partner with the public in each aspect of the decision), and Empower (place final decision-making in the hands of the public). Each level specifies a promise to the public and appropriate engagement techniques. Widely adopted globally in environmental governance, water resources management, and urban planning. Used extensively in the SADC region for catchment management forum design and transboundary water governance processes.