4.3.2Governmental vs. Non-governmental

Organizations

(notebook page 153)

Conservation Organizations•Want to preserve species and habitats• Some are local, others are global• Governmental organizations – follow policies of one or more

governments and are funded by governments• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) – funded by individuals or

independent groups.

UNEP and WWF• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)• Coordinates the United Nations work on the environment• Helps LEDCs implement environmentally sound policies• Develops environmental laws covering: atmosphere, marine and

terrestrial ecosystems and green economy. •World Wide Fund for Nature/World Wildlife Fund (WWF)• NGO, International • Independent organization, but works with businesses, gov’ts and

local communities• Creates sustainable solutions that work for people and nature• Ultimate goal = “People living in harmony with nature”

UNEP and WWF• Have similar ideals, but operate differently.

Government organization(UNEP)

Non-governmental organization (NGO)(WWF)

UNEP and WWFGovernment organization(UNEP)

Non-governmental organization(NGO) (WWF)

Use of media Professionals produce statements

Orgs have good communication with media outlets such as TV and news

Use the internet, advertisements, membership drives, and direct action

May produce press packs and leaflets

UNEP and WWFGovernment organization(UNEP)

Non-governmental organization(NGO) (WWF)

Speed of response Slow, often many countries are involved in negotiations

Each country may have its own view or legal position

Generally faster because NGOs are independent…able to make decisions quickly

UNEP and WWFGovernment organization(UNEP)

Non-governmental organization(NGO) (WWF)

Diplomatic constraints Often held back by political arguments between countries

Must respect legal requirements of each nation

Not affected by diplomatic constraints

UNEP and WWFGovernment organization(UNEP)

Non-governmental organization(NGO) (WWF)

Political influence Organization has direct links to governments of many countries

Influence is indirect

Depends on lobbying and pressure groups

UNEP and WWFGovernment organization(UNEP)

Non-governmental organization(NGO) (WWF)

Legal powers Can pass laws on environmental issues

No actual legal powers.

Public opinion and pressure are used.

IUCN (Int’l Union for Conservation of Nature)•Made of more than 1100 member organizations in 10 countries• 200 gov’t orgs• 900 NGOs

• Leading authority on the environment and sustainable development

• Supported and funded by donors including gov’ts, institutions, NGOs, intergov’t orgs, companies and individuals.