Expectations, Conflict and Communication in a Regional Development Project: Investigating the Participation and Attitudes of Non-Governmental Organizations as Stakeholders in Turkey

Abstract

Studies indicate that stakeholder participation in sustainable development (SD) practices is insufficient. Despite this global observation, the national and contextual characteristics of this phenomenon have received little attention. Based on qualitative data from thirty non-governmental organizations (NGO) representatives, we investigate this issue in a case study of an ongoing mega-regional project in Filyos, Turkey. The results indicate that the type and dynamics of the relationship between the government and NGOs significantly shape expectations and attitudes. Economic considerations primarily determine the evaluation of cost-benefit analysis, and participants' opinion tends to favor local benefits above broader national welfare when there is a competing expectation violation. The views of NGOs vary widely depending on their political stance as supporters or opponents, their affiliation with the government, and whether they are environmentalists. We suggest that the implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in state-run development projects may be inadequate without external laws and monitoring mechanisms.