This Guidance starts with creating a common understanding regarding the meaning of public participation in the context of the Water Framework Directive (Section 2). Public participation can generally be defined as allowing people to influence the outcome of plans and working processes. It is a means of improving decision-making, to create awareness of environmental issues and to help increase acceptance and commitment towards intended plans. Public participation for the implementation of the Directive is recommended at any stage in the planning process, from the Article 5 requirements to the Programme of Measures and the design of the River Basin Management Plan