An Assessment of the Role of Environmental NGO’s in Environmental Protection: Challenges and Prospects
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Date
2014-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Environmental protection is an irresistible issue. Every being and entity at national, regional,
local and institutional level has an obligation and duty to protect it. Environmental protection is
a practice of protecting the environment with policies and procedures aimed at conserving
natural resources, reversing degradation and sustainable development for the benefit of the
natural environment and humans surrounding it. Today, the necessity of environmental
awareness and enforcement is more demanding and urgent than ever before. Despite
provisions in Ethiopian Constitution providing for environmental protection and statutory
provisions, the problem of environment still exists. The main cause for the continuing
environmental problem is lack of sufficient system for management of resources coupled with
lack of environmental awareness and weak participation of the public and organizations.
The involvement of NGOs in environment protection represents an organized response by civil
society in those areas in which the state has either failed to reach or done so in adequately.
This study examines the roles of environmental NGOs in environmental protection, focusing
mainly on the roles of environmental NGOs in their role towards climate mitigation and
adaptation. The study was carried out on three selected international environmental NGOs;
ACCRA, CCF-E and FfE. It relied on both primary and secondary sources of data, methods of
data collection and analysis. Personal visit was made to the organizations in collecting primary
and secondary data. The findings of the study showed that, NGOs have been taking a number of
steps to promote discussion and debate about environmental issues. Advocacy and awareness
is especially crucial in promoting concepts such as sustainable development, natural resource
conservation and the restoration of ecosystems. NGOs sensitize policy makers about local
needs, provide training facilities and undertake research and publication on environment and
development related issues.
The study recommends for the development of strong institutional framework. It is necessary
to support and encourage genuine, small, local level NGOs in different parts of the country
which can provide extended institutional support
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Challenges & Prospects