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 Originally enacted in 1967,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/