[H-CG28] Nuclear Energy and Geoscience

[HCG28-11] Toward Citizen Dialogue-led Environmental Governance: An Exploratory Case Study in Post-Fukushima Japan

*Hidenroi Nakamura¹, Fuki Ueno², Satoru Sugita³, Hiromichi Fukui³ (1.Toyama Prefectural University, 2.Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 3.Chubu University)

Keywords:dialogue, deliberation, participation, democracy, governance, Fukushima

This is an exploratory case study to help facilitate a culture of dialogue in Japan. There is an emphasis on proposing methods for polyphonic dialogue among citizens, and between citizens and experts, to effectively manage the environment. This study argues that a culture of dialogue is key to pluralistic participatory environmental governance. A random sampling–based citizen dialogue was held in Japanese cities regarding radioactive waste disposal and involving experts and citizens. Three proposed methods—manner of dialogue,
evidence-based and position-explicit presentations by experts with differing views, and experts reflecting in tandem with citizens engaged in dialogue—might lead to enhanced positive attitudes toward dialogue with others holding different views, as well as better internal self-deliberation, or dialogue within oneself.