The Issue: Biodiversity is under threat, both in Canada and around the world; it is a central and critical component of the global environmental crisis. Environmental, non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) are increasingly recognized for their value in facilitating positive social change. Canada has over 2000 ENGOs, many of which are concerned, directly or indirectly, with biodiversity. However, they have had variable success in their efforts to protect biodiversity, as they face many barriers, including lack of both financial and human resources, and time.

Objectives: By studying the structure and functioning of representative Canadian ENGOs who emphasize biodiversity related issues, it will be possible to identify the characteristics responsible for their successes, as well as key barriers they face and ways to overcome them, thereby facilitating improvements in their effectiveness.

Methods: A group of Canadian ENGOs who work on biodiversity issues and possess a willingness to play an active role in carrying out this study has been selected. By involving these ENGOs in a program of participatory action research, the knowledge and experience of expert environmentalists will be tapped, providing the means for fulfilling the project's objectives.

Deliverables: The principle outcome will be improved understanding about ENGO processes and information networks concerning biodiversity. There will also be associated benefits as a function of the action research, by stimulating discussion within ENGOs: around any gaps in knowledge, information and processes; about ways to remove any barriers identified; and on the development of strategies for improved effectiveness. Dissemination of the results will be by means of reports, workshops, and through the media.

Support: Canada's Environmental Innovation Program (EIP) is providing funds in partnership with the Biodiversity Convention Office (EC) and the Canadian Forest Service, with in-kind support from many ENGOs and the environmental community. The research will constitute part of an M. Sc. program, at the Department of Natural Resource Sciences of McGill University, under the supervision of Dr. Stuart B. Hill.

How You Can Help: