2. What does concertation mean?

Concertation refers to all the processes and procedures that enable the public to take part in decision-making processes, with the aim of enabling them to learn about the project and express an opinion. Examples include public consultations, public inquiries, public debates and electronic discussion forums prior to decisions by public authorities.

Article 7 of the French Environment Charter states that "everyone has the right, under the conditions and within the limits defined by law, to access information relating to the environment held by public authorities and to participate in the preparation of public decisions affecting the environment".