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Many environmental conflicts and disputes have occurred in France and in other countries in recent decades. The main answer to these situations implemented by public authorities and planners is based on the development of public participation approaches in order to provide information and facilitate the expression of the concerned populations. We offer a consideration of the main criticisms and expectations from opponents to explain why public participation is not satisfying for some participants and observers. We then suggest several answers to reinforce and value public participation approaches within a broader process of dialogue.