Q.What provisions do the Guidelines contain to reflect the opinions of local residents affected by the project?

A.

NEXI considers it necessary to take into account the opinions of people likely to be affected by the project. According to the Exhibit 1 (5) of the Guidelines, "sufficient consultations with stakeholders, such as local residents, must be conducted via disclosure of information from an early stage when alternative proposals for the project plans may be examined. The outcome of such consultations must be incorporated into the contents of the project plan. Consultation should be a two-way process that is free of external manipulation, interference, coercion, or intimidation." Further, "Appropriate consideration must be given to vulnerable social groups, such as women, children, the elderly, the poor, and ethnic minorities all of whom are susceptible to various environmental and social impacts and who may have little access, within society, to decision-making processes within society." and “In addition, in order to receive complaints from stakeholders such as local residents at an early stage and facilitate their resolution, it is encouraged to establish grievance mechanisms by the project proponents.” And with regard to environmental and social consideration confirmation, the paragraph III.3. states, "NEXI conducts appropriate environmental reviews utilizing information provided by the stakeholders, including local residents and local NGOs."