Abstract
Public participation in environmental decision making is a key principle of environmental governance that promotes transparency, accountability, and sustainable development. This article examines the legal framework governing public participation in environmental decision making in Tanzania. It analyses relevant constitutional provisions, policies, legislation, international and regional instruments, and judicial decisions. The article also identifies legal challenges affecting effective public participation, including inadequate access to environmental information, limited public awareness, weak enforcement mechanisms, and financial constraints. Using doctrinal legal research methodology, the study relies on primary and secondary legal sources. It concludes that although Tanzania has established a legal framework for public participation, legal and institutional reforms are necessary to ensure meaningful, inclusive, and effective participation in environmental decision making.
Key words: Public participation, Environmental Decision Making; Environmental Law; Sustainable Development.