internationally, there is a trend for marginalized people to not be involved in natural resource management decision making that directly or indirectly affects them. this is the case for a majority of indigenous people around the world. despite good intentions and efforts to include indigenous people through many different tools, including international declarations, national laws and policies, the resounding reality is that most are not involved in a meaningful manner (baker and mclelland 2003 ; bowie 2008; sinclair and diduck 2005; whiteman and mamen 2002). nor do they have the capacity to challenge the status quo. the literature indicates many reasons and benefits to involve the public in decision making, such as strengthening of democracy and benefits of pluralism. notwithstanding, the literature reveals that failed public involvement is the norm.