Conference Abstract
| 
10 Nov 2021
Conference Abstract |
| 10 Nov 2021
| 10 Nov 2021
Specific cultural and political challenges in cross-border public participation
Franziska Sperfeld
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Independent Institute for Environmental Issues (UfU e. V.), Berlin, 10405, Germany
Melanie Mbah
Institute for Applied Ecology (Öko-Institut e. V.), Freiburg, 79100, Germany
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Franziska Sperfeld, Ryan Kelly, Katharina Reimann, Alexandra Lampke, and Ann-Kathrin Weith
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2026-8, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2026-8, 2026
Preprint under review for SaND
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This study explores how participatory regional development can be included into the planning of large-scale infrastructure projects in contested settings, such as the siting of nuclear waste repositories. Through comparative case studies, the authors identify key success factors and recurring challenges. The findings emphasise the importance of long-term engagement and conditions that preserve trust over a long timespan, rather than relying solely on financial compensation.
Franziska Sperfeld, Ryan Kelly, Katharina Reimann, Alexandra Lampke, and Ann-Kathrin Weith
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2026-8, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2026-8, 2026
Preprint under review for SaND
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This study explores how participatory regional development can be included into the planning of large-scale infrastructure projects in contested settings, such as the siting of nuclear waste repositories. Through comparative case studies, the authors identify key success factors and recurring challenges. The findings emphasise the importance of long-term engagement and conditions that preserve trust over a long timespan, rather than relying solely on financial compensation.
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Nuclear waste is often described as an
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Melanie Mbah, Ryan Kelly, Sina Bremer, and Henriette Muxlhanga
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 249–250, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-249-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-249-2023, 2023
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Building a deep geological repository for the final disposal of nuclear wastes implies not only changes underground but also landscape changes on the surface. Research on the perceptions of surface facilities of a potential disposal and spatial identities support a better understanding of governance needs.
Melanie Mbah, Bettina Brohmann, and Silvia Schütte
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 221–223, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-221-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-221-2021, 2021
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We analysed the legal framework of the StandAG as well as learning requirements and possibilities between central actors of the procedure of site selection for a final repository. Besides a literature review and a jurisdictional analysis of the StandAG, several interviews with different actors of the procedure as well as workshops were conducted. In summary, we identified challenges and developed recommendations for several formats of learning at different levels.
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The focus of this presentation lies on the challenges of cross-border participation based on previous experience in other subject areas and specific cultural and political framework conditions in neighbouring countries. It addresses the questions, what risks and obstacles must be taken into account in cross-border public participation and how these can be overcome. Further it argues, that political framework conditions vary and have an effect on the expectations towards public participation.
The focus of this presentation lies on the challenges of cross-border participation based on...
