Evaluation of the HPP process in the framework of good governance principles in Turkey: The case of Eastern Black Sea

In this study, the problems encountered between the state-private sector and local people/NGO actors were examined in the framework of good governance principles and process during the construction of the HPP projects in the Eastern Black Sea (including Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon, Rize and Artvin provinces). The focus of the study was on the deficiencies in the implementation of good governance processes and principles and the problems caused by these deficiencies. The theory of governance was used in the study. The purpose of the study is to show that many of the problems encountered during the construction of the HPP projects are due to the lack of implementation or lack of good governance principles and, to explain that many problems in the process can be solved by good governance principles. The necessity of good governance processes and principles in the construction of HPP projects driven by environmental, economic, social and citizen-government relations are important issues in the study. As a result of the case study, we observed that communication channels was very limited among NGOs/local people that against the HPP projects, government and private sector organizations in Eastern Black Sea. For this reason, there was no atmosphere in which each actor in the governance process could communicate the purpose, appeal and requests to each other and negotiate with each other in the HPP projects. In the construction phase of HPPs, the exclusion of NGOs and local people and the implementation of good governance principles in the process has led to increased negative reactions to the projects and reactions for different reasons. It is stated that HPP projects are a process of being a vital procedure that can be achieved as much as possible by using the principles and processes of good governance in accordance with the demands of the society, the economy of the country and the targets of the country. Keywords: Hidroelectric Power Plant, Non-Governmental Organizations, Good Governance Principles, Case Study Method, Eastern Black Sea