Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Conservation Organisations (HL) (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
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
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
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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