While the mainstream approach to environmental management (EM) has tended to be centralized, adopting a narrow conception of 'environment', there is a growing body of literature supporting a participatory approach which is decentralized, community oriented and holistic in its view of the environment. This paper examines the main principles underlying this development and assesses the opportunities and constraints associated with it. It concludes that, while participation is conducive to a localized and inclusive approach to EM, many questions remain about the extent to which it is meaningful in practice or can be institutionalized.