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Rodriguez Et Al. 2009
Rodriguez Et Al. 2009
ENVIRONMENT
L
arge international nongovernmental ity-setting plans that target fixed
organizations (INGOs) are increas- areas for conservation (e.g., Hot
ingly setting the global conservation Spots and Ecoregions) are insuf-
agenda. These INGOs have developed a range ficient to deal with fast-moving
One trend in the globalization of conserva- support can be targeted and managed so that of scale and operation, as well as an im-
tion is that INGOs are increasingly register- local capacity is built and marginalized portant role in influencing global policy.
ing in developing countries. For example, indigenous peoples and other local stake- However, we argue that leadership in con-
Conservation International and The Nature holders become equal partners to maximize servation has to be decentralized and better
Conservancy are now legally registered in at prospects for success (5). Part of the solution integrated into local conditions. Locally
least 18 and 23 developing world countries, is to increase local pools of practitioners at all produced strategies and agendas, imple-
respectively (21, 22). This provides greater levels, from community parabiologists to uni- mented by strong local institutions and indi-
accountability to national governments and versity professors and government officials viduals are key to success.
donors, but also enables them to compete for (27). INGOs could provide funds for salary
funds with local NGOs, which may decrease and staff retention at local organizations. References and Notes
1. N. Myers et al., Nature 403, 853 (2000).
efforts to strengthen local institutions. This Investment in scholarships for first-world uni- 2. D. M. Olson, E. Dinerstein, Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 89,
can result in developing-world conservation- versities could be matched with funds for 199 (2002).
ists, with locally tuned priorities but lacking strengthening developing country universities 3. T. M. Brooks et al., Science 313, 58 (2006).
4. Capital Research Center, www.capitalresearch.org/.
donor connections, being obliged to obtain and technical programs where studentships 5. M. Chapin, World Watch 17, 17 (2004).
funds from INGOs pushing global agendas. typically cost much less. 6. D. Ransom, New Int. 383, 2 (October, 2005).
Ultimately, this can lead to INGOs edging out Bolstering independent local institutions 7. C. D. L. Orme et al., Nature 436, 1016 (2005).