國立臺灣大學政治科學論叢

Abstract / Chinese PDF Download

Applying the recognition and capacity approach from contemporary theories of justice, the difficulties of and prerequisites for practicing procedural environmental justice in brownfield redevelopment are explored in this paper. Meaningful public participation in the decision-making process is the core of practicing procedural environmental justice. By observing the polluted land reclamation program which intends to establish public participation mechanism for the first time in Taiwan, this paper analyzes the gap between ideal kind of public participation and the reality in practice. The major finding of this research is that the interaction between recognition and capacity affects the public participation process. A lack of recognition between stakeholders reduces participatory incentives for the neighboring residents. In addition, a lack of professional capacity impedes stakeholders’ meaningful contribution to the decision-making process. This paper concludes by naming prerequisites for practicing procedural justice in brownfield redevelopment as follows. The government recognizes the losses suffered by pollution victims and the environmental risks faced by the neighboring residents; the residents recognize their right to a healthy environment; and the residents are equipped with the professional knowledge to participate in the decision-making process.