Objectives

- Critically present the Public Debate methodology and how it inscribes itself - with its specific features – onto a wider framework of “requested” participatory initiatives organized by public institutions.

- Analyse some results of the experiences of recent years, particularly in France and Italy, and its gradual institutionalization through national or regional laws.

- Introduce other public hearing initiatives that (in BRICS group countries) are held in order to question some great infrastructural works.

- Analyse, with the participants, opportunities and challenges necessary to onset this methodology in Portugal..