The research explored the essential elements of meaningful public participation in next generation impact assessment (NGIA), in relation to the Colombian Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. The goals of the research were to test and inform these elements further and identify approaches to achieving more meaningful public participation in Colombian EIAs. Qualitative methods were used in the research, with data collection including a document review and semi-structured one-on-one interviews with EIA participants in Colombia. Data showed that public participation in Colombian EIA is framed by laws and guidelines, especially Law 99 of 1993 and Decree 2076 of 2015. Guidelines require project proponents to conduct thematic sessions with communities covering preliminary information about the project, impact assessment and management measures workshops, and a presentation of results. Additional mechanisms for public participation include public environmental hearings, the intervening third party, and the right to petition. These practices are common ways for the public to participate in the EIA process in Colombia. Interview participants indicated that the strengths of this process include access to information, legislation and guidelines, and increasing community interest. Challenges include access to education, transparency issues, political violence, armed conflict, and infrastructure deficits in rural areas. These challenges hinder effective participation and lead to power imbalances and conflicts. Exploring the 10 essential elements of meaningful public participation in this context indicated that implementing these elements could enhance the public participation process in EIAs in Colombia – particularly early and ongoing participation, fair and open participation, and learning-oriented approaches. Overcoming challenges such as illiteracy in some communities, conflicts of interest, and public infrastructure deficits in rural areas is, however, also fundamental for achieving more meaningful public participation in the Colombian context.