“… Public participation represents one of the fundamental pillars of instrumental or procedural rights, since it is through participation that people exercise democratic control of state efforts and thus can question, investigate and consider compliance with the public functions. In that sense, participation allows people to be part of the decision-making process and have their opinions heard. In particular, public participation makes it easier for communities to demand responsibilities from public authorities for decision-making and, at the same time, improves the efficiency and credibility of government processes. As mentioned on previous occasions, public participation requires the application of the principles of publicity and transparency and, above all, must be supported by access to information that allows social control through effective and responsible participation (…. ) In the context of Indigenous communities, this Court has determined that the State must guarantee the rights of consultation and participation in all phases of planning and implementation of a project or measure that may affect the territory of an Indigenous or tribal community, or other essential rights for their survival as peoples, in accordance with their customs and traditions. This means that, in addition to accepting and providing information, the State must ensure that the members of the community are aware of the possible risks, including environmental and health risks, so that they can comment on any project that may affect their territory within a process of voluntarily consultation, with knowledge. Therefore, the State must generate sustained, effective and reliable channels of dialogue with Indigenous Peoples in consultation and participation procedures through their representative institutions. With respect to environmental issues, participation represents a mechanism to integrate citizens’ concerns and knowledge in public policy decisions that affect the environment. Likewise, participation in decision-making increases the capacity of governments to respond to public concerns and demands in a timely manner, build consensus and improve acceptance and compliance with environmental decisions… ”