Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2024

First exams 2026

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Conservation Organisations (HL) (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Revision Note

Conservation Organisations

International, governmental and non-governmental organisations

  • Environmental intergovernmental organisations (IGOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are organisations that focus on promoting environmental protection and conservation efforts around the world

IGOs

igo-logos
  • Environmental IGOs are intergovernmental bodies established by states with the aim of promoting environmental protection and conservation efforts on a global scale

    • These organisations are usually composed of member states and operate within the framework of international law

  • Examples include:

    • United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

      • The UNEP is a leading global environmental authority that provides leadership and encourages partnerships in caring for the environment

    • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

      • The IPCC is a scientific body under the United Nations that assesses the science related to climate change, its impacts, and potential future risks

    • World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC)

      • The WCMC provides information services on the conservation and sustainable use of species and ecosystems, and supports others in the development of their own information management systems

NGOs

ngo-logos
  • Environmental NGOs are non-profit organisations that are independent of any government and focus on promoting environmental protection and conservation efforts

    • These organisations work to raise awareness, lobby governments and businesses, and often carry out practical projects in the field (i.e. at the local level) to protect the environment

  • Examples include:

    • Greenpeace

      • Greenpeace is an international environmental organisation that campaigns on various environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, overfishing, and nuclear power

    • World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF)

      • WWF is an international conservation organisation that aims to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth

    • The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

      • TNC is a non-profit environmental organisation that works to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people

      • TNC's work spans across 70 countries and all 50 states in the United States

Comparing Environmental IGOs and NGOs

  • IGOs and NGOs both play an important role in conserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity

    • IGOs such as the United Nations (UN) and its various specialised agencies, such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), have a global reach and can influence conservation efforts on a large scale

    • NGOs, on the other hand, are often more focused on specific issues and are able to respond quickly to emerging threats to biodiversity

  • The effectiveness of IGOs and NGOs in conservation and restoration efforts can vary due to a number of factors, including:

    • Use of media

    • Speed of response

    • Diplomatic constraints

    • Financial resources

    • Political influence

    • Enforceability

Comparing IGOs and NGOs

Factor

Environmental IGOs

Environmental NGOs

Use of media

IGOs often have a larger traditional media presence (e.g. the news, TV & radio and press releases) due to their size and resources. They can use the media to disseminate information and raise awareness about environmental issues, e.g. by reading written statements.

NGOs are often more successful in using media to promote their causes, as they are more nimble and able to respond quickly to emerging issues. They often rely heavily on social and digital media to disseminate information and raise awareness about environmental issues. They may use traditional media less frequently due to limited resources.

Speed of response

IGOs may be slower to respond to environmental issues due to bureaucratic processes and decision-making. However, they often have the resources and capacity to launch large-scale responses once decisions are made.

NGOs can respond quickly to environmental issues due to their flexible structures and ability to mobilise resources quickly. However, their response may be limited in scale and scope.

Diplomatic constraints

IGOs may be constrained by diplomatic considerations, particularly when dealing with issues that involve multiple countries or political sensitivities.

NGOs are generally not constrained by diplomatic considerations and may be more able to take controversial or unpopular positions on environmental issues.

Financial resources

IGOs often have greater financial resources than NGOs due to contributions from member countries and other sources.

NGOs often rely on donations and fundraising for their financial resources, which can be more limited.

Political influence

IGOs may have greater political influence due to the involvement of member countries and their ability to make decisions and set policies at an international level.

NGOs may have less political influence than IGOs, but they can often mobilise public opinion and pressure decision-makers to take action.

Enforceability

IGOs can develop and enforce international laws and agreements, but enforcement can be limited by the willingness of member countries to comply.

NGOs do not have the authority to enforce laws or agreements but can advocate for their implementation and monitor compliance.

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Alistair Marjot

Author: Alistair Marjot

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

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