Friday, March 28, 2014

Non-government Participation

Many development agencies were disappointed with the government agencies’ efforts surrounding wildlife conservation efforts. These agencies began garnering support from the private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Observing the rise of such agencies and organizations, the U.S. Congress revised the Foreign Assistance Act in 1976 and 1986. Originally enacted in 1967, the Act reorganized the structure of existing U.S. foreign assistance programs and created the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The revisions marked the beginning of international development funds for biodiversity. Beginning in 1990, the NGO sector dedicated more attention to wildlife conservation with USAID funds granting greater focus on economic and political impact. In addition to the work of USAID, U.S. Congress has altered the Foreign Assistance Act’s sections on endangered species.

Over hunting, destruction of habitats and toxic chemicals in water are some of the factors that cause threats to the survival of numerous plant and animal species. The government also realizes that the extinction of plant and animal species can cause significant loss to both developing and developed countries. Hence, it is important to preserve animal and plant species by regulating hunting and endangered species trade. Rules and regulations should be followed to control pollution of natural ecosystems. Wildlife habitats should be protected.

Section 100 is for preserving biodiversity, under which the President has the authority to provide assistance. Assistance can be provided to countries in safeguarding and maintaining wildlife habitats, and aid is also available for developing effective wildlife management and conservation programs. Specialized measures must be taken to set up and maintain wildlife refuges, parks and reserves. Efforts should be taken to enact laws and enforce measures to stop poaching. Measures should also be taken to identify, analyze and catalog plant and animal species, particularly in tropical environments.

 The amendments made in this section include amendments on the section relevant to NGOs and PVOs. The section requires NGOs and PVOs to involve the local community fully in designing and implementing wildlife conservation programs. The Foreign Assistance Act amendments and the emergence of U.S. international development funds have led to various discrepancies concerning the role of NGOs in foreign development.http://www.conservationhub.org/

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