Some have been vocal critics on controversial local plans, such as some wind farm developments.

BBC: 'Sense of community' is crucial

Many are affiliated with the government, but a growing number are independent, local and increasingly vocal.

ECONOMIST: On corporate social responsibility, Keynesian economics, Taiwan, business, wine | The

Local people have become more vocal in demanding that reconstruction be allowed and schools reopened.

ECONOMIST: Afghanistan

If Mrs Arroyo is to capitalise on this experience, she must attend to the most vocal complaint of investors, foreign and local: the pitiful state of infrastructure in the Philippines.

ECONOMIST: The Philippines

Efforts to change attitudes towards the mighty animals have seen them become an important source of income for the local economy through the tourists they bring, and turned poachers into vocal advocates for conservation.

CNN: Up close with Rwanda's endangered mountain gorillas

One of the first groups to be invited was the Covent Garden Festival, a local arts group that has been one of the development's most vocal critics.

ECONOMIST: All right after the first night?