Context
The plan to build a gigafactory in Dolní Lutyně raised concerns and questions among local residents. How does one shift the discussion from concerns to informed decision-making? The State Investment and Development Company (SIRS) decided to use a participatory approach to gather feedback and clarify the project’s objectives. We organized an informational meeting for SIRS to reduce conflicts and increase public awareness about the planned gigafactory project. The goal was to answer questions, clarify residents’ concerns, and provide expert explanations based on studies that thoroughly addressed both the technical and social aspects of the proposed project.
How we proceeded
The informational meeting was held in a “nonlinear” format. The public was invited to attend throughout the afternoon and stay as long as needed. During the event, participants could walk through an exhibition of informational panels, which clearly presented expert information in a visual format. The panels were divided into thematic sections: transport connections, technical infrastructure, ecological measures, and socio-economic impacts. Experts were present at each station to answer visitors’ questions. The meeting also included a section dedicated to the development plan, where participants could vote for one of the proposed projects or add their own ideas to an interactive map. Informational materials with frequently asked questions and answers were also available for attendees to take home.
Results of Participation
The public had an opportunity to obtain detailed information about the project based on expert studies, while experts were there to provide clear explanations and answer participants’ questions. Thanks to the informational materials available to take home and the effective dissemination of information, public awareness of the project significantly increased. Concerns raised by the public were addressed using expert and scientific data, with both positive and negative aspects of the project being clearly presented. Participants appreciated that experts patiently explained complex issues, which strengthened trust in the transparency of the entire process.
