Name the organisation!

In pairs – discuss what you know about each of these organisations…

Learning outcomes

You will all be able to:• Identify the role of intergovernmental and non-

governmental conservation organisations.• Identify some of the recent international conventions on

biodiversity.

Most of you should be able to:• Compare and contrast the roles of intergovernmental and

non-governmental organisations in preserving and restoring ecosystems.

Environmental organisations

There are two categories of organisation depending on their constitution and funding:1. Intergovernmental (GOs)2. Non-governmental (NGOs)

Look at the table, what do you think might fit into each category?

UNEPUnited Nations Environment Programme

Mission:To provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

Use of media – often use media liason officers to prepare and read written statements. Informative videos released.

Response is normally slow as its difficult to reach a consensus but they have great political influence with direct access to governments.

Able to pass national laws through international agreements. However countries don’t have to be involved.

WWFOur Vision for the Future

We seek to save a planet, a world of life. Reconciling the needs of human beings and the needs of others that share the Earth, we seek to practice conservation that is humane in the broadest sense. We seek to instill in people everywhere a discriminating, yet unabashed, reverence for nature and to balance that reverence with a profound belief in human possibilities. From the smallest community to the largest multinational organization, we seek to inspire others who can advance the cause of conservation.

They tend to use advertisements on popular channels and emotive campaigns

WWFThey are able to make their own decisions so often have a fast response.

Generally not affected by politics separate from governments.

Tend to rely on public pressure rather than legal power

Greenpeace

Similar to WWF although they tend to be more reactive and liberal.

Often use media stunts!

What is the IUCN?• http://www.iucn.org/about/

As you’re watching the video note down what the purpose of the IUCN is.

Governmental

Field

ConservativeRadical

UNEP

IUCN

WWFGreenpeace

Review

What tends to be the difference between GOs and NGOs when it comes to:

Media?Speed of response?Political and diplomatic restraints?Enforceability of their ideals?

Global summits• The UN conference on human environment (Stockholm,

1972) – first meeting of the international community to consider global environmental and development needs.

• In 1992, the UN Rio Earth Summit led to Agenda 21 and the Rio declaration.

• The 2000 UN Millennium Summit agreed a set of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

However should countries break these agreements there is little the international community can do about it.