International non-governmental organizations

Analyze the importance of international non-governmental organizations for the care of the environment

​The incidence of civil society in the public sphere is not a new phenomenon. Citizens organize for various reasons, but mainly to solve problems that governments or the private sector cannot address. In addition, civil organizations are strategic allies because they do not generate more bureaucracy, they are more effective and efficient in the use of resources and they know better the local reality.

​In Western ideology, civil association is denoted as a key element for the proper functioning of societies. From religiously-born philanthropy to foray into public policy, there is a diverse range of citizen organizations dealing with a variety of topics.

The environmental issue is one of the issues that have the most attention from civil activists.

​

​In developed countries, environmental non-governmental organizations (ONGA) were born in the 1960s, along with the environmental movement, although others (mainly conservation) had already been in operation for several decades. The common objective that united this melting pot of interests was to highlight the environmental damage caused and the protection of nature.

In developing countries, the awakening of environmental awareness came a little later during the 1980s. Faced with degradation problems, there is a boom in NGO's concerned with a wide variety of problems, from ecosystem conservation, health, strong environmental legislation, pollution, to human rights as part of a healthy environment. In Mexico, the phenomenon takes force with the start-up of the Laguna Verde nuclear plant in Veracruz and the growing contamination in various parts of the country.

​The northern border of Mexico is an area vulnerable to environmental degradation from various causes. The accelerated economic and urban development due to the maquila model, generates population dynamics of high growth and demand for resources. This, together with lax environmental legislation, creates a niche for abuses and little legal compliance. The situation on the border generated citizen organizing efforts to reduce the problem.

​Binational collaborations have taken place between NGO's on both sides of the border. One of the greatest successes of this cooperation was during the NAFTA negotiations, to impose stronger environmental regulations. But among its local triumphs can be added the initiatives for the recovery of ecosystems, denunciations of clandestine dumps of toxic waste, public awareness campaigns and lobbying for better public services.

​Although, the work has not been continuous or permanent due to differences between the groups, lack of funding, among other issues.

​I invite you to explore the international non governmental organizations like:

1. ​Sierra Club,

2. WWF,

3. Greenpeace,

4. Conservation International,

5. WorldWatch Institute,

6. Oxfam,

7. National Resources Defense Council,

8. International Institute for Sustainable Development,

9. Costa Salvaje,

   Proyecto Fronterizo de Educación Ambiental,

   Sonoran Institute,

   Pronatura Noroeste, 

1. ​Read, research and review information of two international environmental NGOs and one national or local NGO.

2. Make a summary of their mission, vision, countries in which they work, main programs and impact.

3. Write a short conclusion of the topic.

4. ​Submit your summary in Bb.