Report of

  The Second Non-governmental Organization

Forum on U.S.-China Environmental Cooperation

 

 

                                November 14-16, 2001

  Beijing,  China

 

 

 

   Co-organized by:

Renmin University of China

                                    Beijing, China

 

International Fund for China’s Environment

                 Washington DC, USA

                           

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

 

I.                   Summary of Speeches and Panel Discussions……………………………………….5

 

1.1   Speeches in the Opening Ceremony: the Function of NGOs in

    Environmental Protection …………………………………………………………5

1.2  Panel-Women and Environmental Protection…………………………………….6

1.3  Panel- Ecological Protection in Western China…………………………………..7

1.4  Panel- Environmental Education and the Development of Green NGOs in

    Universities………………………………………………………………………..8

1.5  Panels- Resource Preservation and Regional Economic Development…………..8

1.6  Panel- Sustainable Agriculture and the Environment…………………………….9

1.7  Panel- Public Relation…………………………………………………………....10

1.8  Panel- Funding Sources and Fundraising………………………………………...10

1.9  Panel- NGOs Roles in Environmental Policies Making…………………………11

1.10 Panel: NGOs and Enterprises after China’s Entrance into WTO;

    Cooperation Between NGOs and Governments………………………………….12

 

II.                Summary of Workshop Presentations……………………………………………….13

 

2.1  Topic 1- NGO’s Roles in Civil Society…………………………………………..13

2.2  Topic 2- NGO’s Sustainability…………………………………………………...16

2.3  Topic 3- Project Development and Management for NGOs……………………..18

2.4  Topic 4- Introduction to UNDP Small Grant Program for NGOs………………..20

 

III.             Participated Organizations (Chinese)……………………………………………….23

 

IV.              Participated Organizations (US and Others)………………………………………..26

 

V.                 News Media Coverage List……………………………………………………………28

 

VI.              Acknowledgements…………………………………………………………………….30

 

Appendix

A.              Forum Activity Photos…………………………………………………………32

B.              Samples of Media Reports……………………………………………………..37

C.              Feedback from Participants…………………………………………………...42

D.              Forum Technical Program……………………………………………………..44

  Executive Summary

 

He, Ping  Ph.D.

 

The 2nd NGO Forum on US-China Environmental Cooperation was successfully held in Beijing during November 14-16, 2001.  Two hundred and twelve people from NGOs, universities, research institutes, government agencies and the media attended the event.  They represented one hundred thirty five organizations in China, the US, and other countries.  The Forum was organized jointly by Renmin (People’s) University of China and the International Fund for China’s Environment (IFCE).  It marked another milestone in the development of Chinese environmental NGOs since the first Forum held in DC in 1999.  More than thirty national and international media organizations reported on the event, including three major Chinese Central TV channels.

 

A number of speakers addressed the audience during the opening ceremony including Professor Ji Baocheng, President of Renmin University, Dr. Ping He, president of IFCE, Kurt Tong, Science Counselor of the US Embassy, Marc Brody, President of the US-China Environmental Fund, Jiang Xiaoke, President of the Beijing Environmental Foundation, and Hein Mallee of the Ford Foundation.  Keynote speeches were delivered by Professor Yang Jike, Vice-Chair of the Resource Conservation Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Professor Chen Xiwen, Vice Minister of the State Council Development Research Center.  The keynotes speakers praised the healthy development of environmental NGOs in China and called for NGO support for sustainable development nationwide, especially in western China.

 

The Forum included a one-day workshop and two days of panel discussions. The workshop focused on NGO development and management. Four experts discussed: NGO Roles in Civil Society, NGO Growth and Sustainability, Project Development and Management, and an Introduction to UNDP Small Grants for NGOs.

 

Nine panel sessions addressed 1) Women and Environmental Protection, 2) Ecological Preservation in Western China, 3) Environmental Education and the Development of Green NGOs in Universities, 4) Resources Preservation and Regional Economic Development, 5) Sustainable Agriculture and the Environment, 6) Public Relations, 7) Funding Sources and Fundraising, 8) Environmental Policy Development and Implementation of Laws, and 9) WTO and Working with Governments. More than fifty experienced professionals gave presentations in their respective fields. Discussions followed each presentation.

 

The Forum goals to strengthen communication and cooperation between US and Chinese NGOs and to strengthen citizen participation in China’s environmental protection were achieved.  Chinese participants expressed appreciation of the opportunity the Forum provided to establish contact, learn from and share experiences with foreign professionals. There were forty two foreign participants from the US and other countries despite the negative impact of “9/11” in the US.  Foreign participants were impressed by the high quality of presentations. They felt the Forum provided an excellent opportunity for them to better understand China’s environmental problems and to establish partnerships in China. Some follow-up cooperative activities are being discussed.  Because of broad participation and intensive media coverage, the Forum generated a significant impact on China’s environmental protection movement.

 

The Forum was hosted by the Renmin University Department of Agricultural Economics. The main Forum sponsor was the Ford Foundation. Other sponsors included Conservation International, the International Crane Foundation, the US-China Environmental Fund, the Chinese Environmental Foundation, and E3/Shanghai.

 

This report provides a summary of speeches, panel discussions and workshop presentations. Relevant documents and materials are also presented. Full papers of most presentations are included in the two volumes of the Forum proceedings. For further information, please visit  www.uschinango.org  or contact IFCE at 703-222-1280 or  at ifce@ifce.org.

 

I.                    Summary of Speeches and Panel Discussions

 

 

The 2nd NGO Forum on US-China Environmental Cooperation was held at Renmin (People’s) University of China in Beijing from November 14-16, 2001. Renmin University and the International Fund for China’s Environment (IFCE) jointly organized this Forum. Two hundred and twelve people representing NGOs, research institutes, universities and governmental agencies from China, the US, and other countries attended the Forum. The speeches, presentations and panel discussions covered many topics including: the function of NGOs in environmental protection; NGO impact on environmental policies; NGO operations and fundraising; environmental education and the development of green curricula; women and the environment; ecological preservation and western development; sustainable agriculture; cooperation with governments and corporations after China's entry into the WTO; etc. The following is a summary of the speeches, presentations and panel discussions addressing these issues.

 

 

1.1  Speeches in the Opening Ceremony: the Function of NGOs in Environmental Protection 

 

A number of speakers in the opening ceremony addressed this issue. Ms. Jiang Xiaoke, Chair of the Beijing Environment Protection Fund, pointed out that despite sustainable development being a basic government policy, implementation relies on citizen and NGO involvement and support. NGOs keep proliferating across the country. They have come to play an important role in environmental protection. Still, China’s environmental NGOs remain immature. They need to learn and grow through practice and cooperation with others. They also need support and help from society and the public.

 

Professor Yang Jike, one of keynote speakers and Vice-Chairman of the National Political Consultative Committee Population, Resources & Environment Commission, emphasized the importance of China-US cooperation. He underlined that there is much successful US experience in controlling ‘black storms’, city fog, carbon dioxide, mitigating car gas emissions, etc. NGOs can help the government to learn from US.

 

Mr. Kurt Tong, Science Counselor of the US Embassy, suggested that NGOs play an important role in environmental protection in both China and the US. As NGOs develop further and increasingly cooperate with governments, they can provide more support to governments in environmental management and resource conservation. NGOs can partner with governments to disseminate information and enhance transparency.

 

Dr. Ping He, President of the International Fund for China’s Environment (IFCE), proposed that it is high time to develop Chinese NGOs because of governmental reforms underway. ‘Small government and big society’ is a current development trend in China. Although the influence of NGOs is relatively small right now, with public support, the prospects for the development of environmental NGOs is bright.

 

Mr. Mark Brody, President of the US-China Environment Fund, addressed this issue as well. He said that due to downsizing of governmental agencies, some of the work previously undertaken by governments would be performed by NGOs. He thought that NGOs would help government pay more attention to environmental issues.

 

Other speakers in the opening ceremony included Prof. Ji Baocheng, President of Remin University, Prof Chen Xiwen, one of the keynote speakers and vice minister of the State Development and Research Center and Mr. Hein Mallee, Program Officer of Ford Foundation. The State Environmental Protection Administration of China sent a letter of congratulations to the Forum. They called for NGOs support to combat severe environmental problems in China.

 

After the opening ceremony, Dr. Li Fengshan of the International Crane Foundation and Dr. Liu Rei of Conservation International/IFCE delivered plenary presentations. Dr. Li introduced the experience on participatory approach in natural reserve management in Cao Hai. Dr Liu discussed biodiversity conservation strategies in new century. His point was that conservation could be profitable.

 

 

1.2  Panel-Women and Environmental Protection

 

This panel addressed women’s role in environmental protection and integrating gender and environmental concepts into development projects.  Based on data collected in a social survey in Chaoyang District, Beijing, Ms. Sha Lianxiang and Mr. Zhang Zhidong from Renmin University argued that women have stronger awareness about and contribute more to environmental protection than do men. Therefore, encouraging women’s participation in non-governmental environmental protection activities should have a strong positive impact. Sha and Zhang said that government-driven environmental protection in China has lacked public support and cooperation.

 

Ms. Elaine Zuckerman, CEO of Gender Action, discussed the importance of gender issues, the relationship of women to the environment, examples of World Bank projects lacking gender awareness, and why it is important to ensure that investment projects address the gender and environment nexus.  Moreover, she underlined that environmental NGOs also must address the relationship between women and the environment.  Addressing women’s key role as environmental managers is critical for eliminating poverty and stimulating economic growth.  She highlighted worldwide correlations between greater poverty reduction and greater gender equality.  Ms. Zuckerman noted she was impressed by the attention the Chinese government gave to women’s issues but felt there was still a lot more to be done.  With women increasingly responsible for agricultural and rural development work as men in greater numbers leave farms for urban jobs, it is vital to address women’s role in natural resource management. In designing poverty reduction and other development projects, gender and environmental impacts and their interrelationships should be evaluated.  All development projects should analyze and target distinct problems women and men encounter.

 

Ms. Ban Li from the Shannxi Women’s Federation discussed the experience of using participatory methods in training women in sustainable development.  She underlined that  promotion and propaganda for rural sustainable development should start with projects which can generate direct benefits to women, thus allowing women to combine productive activities with development projects.  This approach facilitates women’s conscious acceptance and promotion of sustainable development.  If only conservation is emphasized and economic development is not, the policy is not sustainable. 

 

Ms. Jiang Xiaoke presented her similar experiences through a series of overhead slides. Ms. Nancy Tian introduced the research and training activities of the US-based Center for Educational Development and Population Activities in the context of international development. 

 

 

1. 3  Panel- Ecological Protection in Western China

 

Development in western China has become a hot topic in recent years. However, in reality, development speed in the region lags far behind that of other areas.

 

Prof. Kong Xiangzhi of Renmin University introduced reasons for the deterioration of the Hulunbeier Grassland in Inner Mongolia. He suggested some protection countermeasures to develop a green industry for grassland.

 

Ms. Zhang Linxiu from the Center for Chinese Agricultural Policy of the Chinese Academy of Sciences described different types of contradictions that exist in the western region, such as between rich resources and backward marketing systems and poor infrastructure; between agricultural development and ecological deterioration and lack of water resources; as well as between the needs of the knowledge economy and the lack of human resources.  These contradictions have caused a vicious cycle of development with negative poverty and environmental consequences. He suggested that a key measure to break the vicious development-poverty-environment cycle and transform it into a positive cycle is to develop markets, especially labor markets which would push off-farm labor into labor floating among districts, promoting a flow of resources.  Meanwhile, the government should increase investment in research and development.

 

Mr. Liang Congjie, the president of Friends of Nature, pointed out that we should cautiously use the word ‘Great’ in the slogan, ‘Great Western Development’. He raised the meaningful question of whether China should imitate America’s consumption behavior.  From the viewpoint of global resources, he believed the answer was negative. Virtually all participants agreed with him and concluded that we should combine economic development with ecosystem conservation, and avoid following the “great western exploitation” blueprint of the US.

 

 

 

 

1.4  Panel- Environmental Education and the Development of Green NGOs in Universities

 

Environmental education is an important input in achieving environmental protection. Representatives from colleges, educational agencies and others participated in discussing this theme.  Professor Ji Baocheng, the President of the Renmin University, pointed out that environmental education is an important component of education. Only if students learn sufficient knowledge about the environment will they participate in environmental protection when they graduate. Prof. Sun Zhongcai of Renmin University introduced the experience of including environment in agricultural economic education. He underlined that in-depth research on environmental practices and on sustainable agricultural development will enrich agricultural economics education.

 

Ms. Zhou Fang from Xian shared experiences and methods used in children’s environmental education. Ms. Zhou Youhong and her Beijing colleagues introduced their teenage environmental education work.  Several delegates from the Little Swan Art Troupe of Shannxi told stories about how they enhanced children’s environmental awareness through painting and dancing. They worked with IFCE to successfully organize a US-China Children’s Environmental Art Contest. They presented the children’s paintings on endangered birds to the Forum dinner participants.

 

Some undergraduates associated with university-based NGOs also talked about their experiences in environmental education. Mr. Wang Zheng from Northwestern University mentioned the advantages and disadvantages of college students participating in environmental protection. He said the advantages are a) clear definition -- on campus, b) strong background -- well educated, and c) enthusiasm and creative volunteering. The disadvantages are a) lack of capacity to raise funds and b) lack of management experience. All the delegates advocated that student organizations establish environmental programs on campuses. They called for society support and help for these energetic young organizations. A few overseas college students also introduced college environmental organizations in western countries.

 

 

1. 5  Panel- Resource Preservation and Regional Economic Development

 

Dr. Li Fengshen said the success of the Cao Hai project resides in changing from regulating communities to serving communities. The main function of the project staff is to provide guidance. Dr. Li also pointed out that to ensure that a service relationship becomes sustainable, for example the sustainable development of a nature reserve, it is important to link conservation with poverty reduction. In the past, conservation sometimes conflicted with local residents: Local residents need more lands to improve their living, but conservation limits land development. The relationship was initially quite poor in the Cao Hai project. After implementing the participatory poverty relief plan, the interests of both sides became closer. Local residents got more involved in conservation.  Conservation became more effective. Mr. Ren Xaiodong of Guizhou Normal University also explained that conservation and poverty reduction are equally important.

 

Through studying the development of the milk industry in China, Professor Chen Shulan of Renmin University analyzed two kinds of environmental issues arising in economic development. One is the pollution generated in the development process, such as pollution caused by centralized cattle rising affecting suburban and urban areas. Another is the environmental problem resulting from underdevelopment, such as grassland degradation and ecological deterioration. The solution for the former should be to move the cattle farming business to traditional agricultural areas. And the solution for the latter should be to develop local economies and reduce pressures on land resources. 

 

Prof. Zeng Yinchu, also from Renmin University, argued that from the angle of economic efficiency, under different polluting levels, different fee-charging schemes should be employed. Furthermore, Zeng derived two basic conclusions: First, the cost of controlling agricultural pollution should be financed by public funds. Secondly, farmers should have some degree of polluting rights.

 

 

1.6  Panel- Sustainable Agriculture and the Environment

 

In the opening ceremony, Mr. Chen Xiwen, the vice- minister of the Development Research Center of State Department, addressed the issues of agricultural development and environment. He concentrated mainly on three problems: the environmental cost of agricultural development, how much importance the Chinese Government attaches to environmental issues when it establishes agricultural polices, and the challenges environmental professionals in China will face. He said that the challenges not only come from the deteriorating environment itself, but also are related to current social and economic development policies. People who have strong environmental awareness are those living in cities with higher living standards. People who pay the price of environment deterioration are poor people living in underdeveloped regions. Without major policy adjustments in income allocation and without coordinated development between urban and rural areas as well as among different regions, it is very difficult to address environmental protection and resources conservation. In addition, he talked in detail about the problems of returning farmlands into woods. To implement and sustain this policy, the government needs to make substantial investment. Once this investment stops, farmers will again cut trees and destroy grasses. Therefore, the sustainability of this policy is questionable. Meanwhile, people need to consider local development while implementing this policy. We also have to allow people to live better lives to obtain their support for the policy.

 

Panel participants used real examples to question the sustainability of the policy of returning farmlands to woods. Sometimes compensation didn’t reach farmers’ pockets, causing dissatisfaction and disappointment. Without mechanisms to minimize farmers’ risks, they will return to farming for lack of sufficient income.  For example, farm households in one district in Guizhou receive only 960 Yuan per year.  First, the government instructed them to stop farming and later the government prohibited coal mining, the only source of cash income for most of these households. The government tried to convince big enterprises to open factories in the affected villages. However, the farmers did not want to rent out their lands to factories. They feared losing everything if the factories did not succeed. The government didn’t provide any guarantee to the farmers. Thus these farmers are living very precariously. They don’t even have enough grain to feed themselves.

 

Some participants pointed out that the government can’t rely solely on administrative measures to implement policy. This would be very costly to farmers. Most attendees believed that without a practical guarantee to balance benefit and risk, this policy could not be sustained.

 

 

1.7  Panel- Public Relation

 

Eva Sternfeld of China Environment & Sustainable Development Reference & Research Center, Dr Li Zongmin of Chinese Association for Women Studies (USA), Prof. Cheng Shulan of Remin University and Samuel Sage of Atlantic States Legal Foundation addressed this issue.

 

Dr. Li Zongmin discussed about public consultation. She said that it is a process for engaging two-way communication between the project proponent and the affected public and other interested parties. It involves the project proponent providing information to the affected groups in open dialogue and soliciting their views. The goal is to improve decision-making and build understanding through involvement of the public. Public consultation plays a critical role in raising awareness of a project's impacts and gaining agreement on management and technical approaches in order to maximize benefits and minimize negative impacts. Information is critical to meaningful consultation and participation of affected groups. An informed public better understands the trade-offs involved in project impacts (benefits and disadvantages). The public will be better able to contribute meaningfully to project design and implementation.

 

Mr. Sage discussed access to information. In the United States, access to information is a cornerstone of the democratic system.  The decades following the end of World War II saw the development of extensive systems for enabling the public to gain access to materials contained within the files and archives of federal, state, and local governments. He discussed a series of laws and legislations developed in US including: Freedom of Information Act (FOI).  Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA),  State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), and Emergency Planning Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). He said that NGOs, businesses, governmental officials, and the general public, have at their disposal a tradition and a repository of immense importance in protecting the environment.  The courts, for the most part, have upheld the various rights granted under these laws, and except in extraordinary circumstances have forced recalcitrant government agencies to turn over materials to the public.  The knowledge the public gains from open record laws enables them to be the watchdogs of the environment and to prevent or significantly modify many poorly planned and environmentally harmful projects.

 

 

1.8   Panel- Funding Sources and Fundraising

 

Delegates from several NGOs introduced their fundraising experiences, including Mr. Liu Dachang of The Nature Conservancy, Ms. Dan Na of the Institute of Development of Yunnan, Mr. Richard Scharlat from Wild Aid and Ms. Zhang Xiaoai from the Institute of Human Ecology of China.  Ms. Zhang talked about the need for flexibility in seeking funds. It is important to find a common interest between donors and NGOs.  How a project is designed is also a determining factor. NGOs need to follow some international standards. In addition, two or more NGOs may collaborate in preparing large projects to obtain larger amounts of funds. 

 

Representatives from several foundations introduced their organizations. Dr Yang Fuqiang, the chief representative of the Energy Foundation in Beijing, said the Energy Foundation focuses on policy making and implementation. The Foundation is not interested in technical projects. Mr. Mark Brody told the audience that the US-China Environment Fund provides integrated support, not just funds. Mr. Hein Mallee from the Ford Foundation provided meaningful advice. He explained that before submitting funding applications NGOs should first understand the interests of each foundation approached.  They need to ascertain the types of projects and priorities of each foundation approached. Once NGOs identify and understand a foundation, they need to package a description of themselves and their project accordingly.  Mr. Mallee also explained that the Ford Foundation generated its funds through investments and not from stocks of the Ford motor company.

 

Fundraising issue was also addressed at the workshop. Mr. Shunichi Marata of UNDP suggested that NGOs should have clear aims when they apply for fund support. Ms. Tian Xiaoping of CEDPA argued that the self-development of NGOs is the basis of sustainability and funding. She emphasized the importance of the dynamic relationship between sponsors and NGOs. The relationship changes with time, impacting NGO structures, fundraising and management. Fundamental aspects of NGO sustainability are cost, quality, market orientation and community support. To be sustainable, NGOs must work on improving management structure, project design, financial management, etc.

 

 

1.9   Panel- NGOs Roles in Environmental Policies Making

 

Even though NGOs are not authorized to make policies, they could influence policymaking and law implementation if they are strong enough. Ms. Catriona Glazebrook, Executive Director of Pacific Environment, illuminated the influence of NGOs in the four phases of integrated policy implementation including identifying needs, policymaking, implementation and evaluation. For example, NGOs can initiate reasonable requests for legislation based on their specialized knowledge and expertise. Then they communicate with legislators to exert influence. Furthermore, to facilitate the birth of new laws they can engage the public by disseminating comments on policies and raising funds to support implementation of new laws.

 

One participant from Renmin University pointed out that although, in principle, Chinese citizens have the right to know the truth according to the law, there are insufficient clear legal procedures to guarantee this right. These procedures need to be elaborated.  NGOs can apply pressure to require the government to release more information.  This would bring more transparency to policy making and would deepen public involvement.

 

Ms. Barbara Finamore from the Natural Resources Defense Council, based on practice, presented four main methods through which NGOs can increase their influence. The four methods are using the media, other publicity, marketing, and integrating these methods. She also introduced some techniques to enhance successful use of legally suing environmental lawbreakers, for example, suing a polluting factory using their own published environmental data as evidence or using data leaked by their own staff.   However, effectively using this technique requires a sound functioning macro-legal system.

 

 

1.10  Panel: NGOs and Enterprises after China’s Entrance into WTO; Cooperation Between NGOs and Governments

 

Based on the different situations of NGOs in China and the US, Ms. Annie Ho of Michigan University gave a speech on how NGOs cooperate with business companies. She thought Chinese NGOs didn’t make enough contact with corporate enterprises compared to their US counterparts.  She pointed out that enterprises and NGOs shared some common interests and have a basis for cooperation. Enterprises face pressures from the public and can work with NGOs to address some difficult problems with the public.  NGOs need financial aid from enterprises.  There can be many win-win situations.  At the same time, Dr. Yang Jentai of the US EPA noted that NGOs should maintain their independence and represent the public interest when they collaborate with businesses.

 

Prof Yan Ruizhen of Renmin University discussed how to concretely cooperate with local governments during project implementation.  His fieldwork supporting poverty reduction has required closely working with local agencies.  Concerned with the relationship between social capital and economic development, Prof. Ma Jiujie of Renmin University discussed the role of NGOs in environmental protection, sustainable resource use, and economically sustainable development. He pointed out that the level of development of NGOs is one factor indicating the level of social capital in a country. He quoted many references  demonstrating that social capital is very important for improving the environment and efficient resource utilization. He suggested that the government, NGOs and international organizations should cultivate the development of social capital in China. To enhance the functions of NGOs in environmental protection is an important task.

 

Ms. Grace Gabriel of IFAW introduced IFAW’s experiences in protecting breeding areas for gray whales. She discussed the process of the changing relationship between the government and enterprises as it moved from confrontation to collaboration. Good communication was vital. She called for NGOs to contribute more to public education, legislation and standardization.

 

II  Summary of Workshop Presentations

 

Four topics were covered in the Workshop of NGO’s Development and Management. Following is a summary of presentations delivered at the workshop.

 

2.1  Topic 1  NGO’s Roles in Civil Society

 

Speaker:  Samuel H. Sage/President

Atlantic States Legal Foundation, Inc. USA

Moderator: Zongmin Li, Chinese Society for Women Studies, USA

 

NGOs form the third leg with government and the market of what makes for a civil society.   Our roles vary with circumstances, but serve in many ways as a moderating force between individuals and the rest of society.  NGO’s have different images of themselves and, in fact, we are a very diverse lot.  Sometimes we are voluntary associations, the non-profit sector, not-for-profit organizations, community based organizations, charitable organizations, benevolent societies, etc.  Maybe we are a labor union, a professional society or a religious institution. These different categories sometimes have different legal meanings; sometimes, different cultures would define things differently.

 

In any event, we do have common characteristics:

 

We are private (as opposed to governmental),

We operate in a transparent manner,

We are deeply concerned about ethics,

We believe in participatory involvement in governmental decision-making,

We respect diverse views and membership,

We are committed to the freedom of association,

We are influential.

 

As the nineteenth century progressed, people in the United States became more and more aware of the resources and the beauty of the American landscape and saw how uncontrolled development threatened the continent.  Science was beginning to help us understand natural processes, ethical concerns for native peoples began to concern us, and especially with the completion of the first trans-continental railroad, citizens were going to see things for themselves.  In this context, first scientific associations were formed and slowly citizens organized themselves into interest groups and finally NGO’s.  Although the environmental movement is largely thought of as a recent phenomenon, many organizations were indeed born before 1900 and many victories were recorded.

 

Pretty much from the start, these early environmental NGO’s, which behaved within the confines of the civil society as it was then construed, had very different modes of operation.  At least at the start all of them, concentrated on preserving natural resources for the good of the nation as opposed to narrow exploitive aims of the private sector.  The growth and exploitation of the west served to raise the consciousness of many people and soon areas were being set aside for national parks, people stepped in at the last moment to preserve the remnants of the American Bison, and hunting and fishing laws went into place protecting wildlife.

 

Many parts of the American environmental movement have never expanded their agendas beyond nature conservation.  That fight still is very important to this day as witnesses by the current campaigns to prevent oil drilling in the Alaska wilderness, to preserve and restore wild salmon, and to stop the cutting of old growth timber.  But the agenda has broadened immensely and perhaps out of recognition of what was formerly considered to be the agenda.  There are groups now concerned, locally, nationally, or globally, with almost every aspect of human endeavor in the name of environmental protection.  One other thing has changed a lot in over a century.  The first environmentalists were no doubt the white elite who had the money, leisure, and status to influence the politics of the day.  As the political system has become more and more responsive to other groups, those working as environmentalists, and the issues pursued has expanded as well.

 

In the field of international development, the role of NGO’s has become more and more indispensable.  American and Canadian foreign assistance funding, program initiatives from the European Community and other western European nations, the World Bank, and even the United Nations Development Program is increasingly funneled money through NGO’s.  The World Bank estimated that in 1992, $7.6 billion, or over fifteen per cent of total overseas aid, was delivered to NGO’s for programs in the developing world.  And these numbers are rapidly rising.  Also citing statistics from the World Bank, there are now tens of thousands of national NGO’s working in developing countries alone.  Further, these are augmented by local NGO’s, community based organizations that number in the hundreds of thousands.

 

The greatest weaknesses of the NGO community all relate in some manner to limited financial resources.  These limits restrain building institutional capacity with strong management.  Lack of resources further limits the scale of operations and the ability of the NGO to fully integrate its program with other social and economic activities. 

 

In a recent speech delivered to an NGO gathering at United Nations Headquarters just before the World Trade Center disaster in New York City, Secretary General Kofi Annan emphasized how important NGOs are around the world.  In his talk, he reiterated the position that “unless we protect the earth’s natural capital, we will not be able to sustain economic growth.”  This is a statement that those of us in this room can understand all too well. 

 

NGO’s often limit themselves and cast themselves into a role much more minor than they should have.  For many of the reasons I have outlined we are more than likely the part of society that can best approach the future with a vision that just might work.  We have the power to educate and pressure the body politic to go forward in the best way for their constituents without in any way undermining their authority.  Our program should consist of technology exchanges enabling everyone to hear of the true state of the art methodologies to cleaning up and restoring the environment.

 

A second item should be to make sure that all sectors of our respective societies are given the opportunity and are encouraged to be involved with the NGO community, to learn about the problems and potential solutions, and express their ideas to the decision makers.  We in the United States have only recently realized that often the people most directly and adversely effected by environmental degradation and poor decision making, were not at the table when these issues were being discussed.  Also, we must tackle the growing drop out rate of participation in the United States and other places.  We cannot be spectators, but must actively engage if we are to succeed.

 

Thirdly, we must discuss institutional arrangements and how to obtain a modicum of resources so that we in the NGO community can operate professionally, accomplish our goals, and not just be naysayers.  Globalization, terrorism, and increasingly wide disparities of wealth have made all of these things more difficult.  

 

Finally, and separate from any of the above we must make sure that young people are attracted to and involved with our programs.  Our issues offer young people many opportunities to get involved, but we must make sure that involvement happens.  To quote Mr. Annan once more, “young people should be with you at the forefront of global change.  If they are left on society’s margins, all of us will be impoverished.”

 

 

2.2  Topic 2  NGO’s Sustainability

 

Speaker:  Nancy Tian/Sr. Advisor

Center for Population and Development Activities, USA

Moderator: Wang, Yongcheng, Green Home Volunteers, China

 

To adapt to the changes in their operating environment, NGOs need to make a shift from how they think of themselves, and their relationship with their community, clients and donors.  This in turn requires some changes in the way NGOs operate institutionally, programmatically and financially.  These shifts will move them closer to achieving sustainability, but require strong commitment and involvement from their leadership and their stakeholders.

 

These changing relations, built on the idea of increasing the exchange between donors, organizations and clients, are illustrated in Figure A, Sustainability Operational Model (Developed by CEDPA, 2002).  The roles change and the benefits evolve as the exchange increases between the donor, NGO, and community.  In the model, the sustainability pillars support these changing roles.  The pillars are drawn from the best practices demonstrated by other NGOs that have successfully enhanced their sustainability.  Effectively transforming the organization to encompass the pillars, in turn, requires changes in NGO operations.  Grouped under three key aspects of sustainability--institutional, programmatic and financial—the operational areas are critical to supporting the sustainability efforts of the organization.

 

The discussion begins by unpacking sustainability: exploring definitions, what should be sustained and why sustainability is important not only for the NGO but also the community and donors.  Through real case examples and assessment tools, the group discussion assists participants to build commitment around changing their relationships with donors and communities, and to assess and strengthen the operational areas listed in the model.  By the completion of the discussion, participants can address their social mission by applying basic business practices in their operations, and providing services valued by their communities.  They then can develop concrete plans on how to increase the exchange of value in their programs and how to enhance the sustainability of their institutions.

 

 
  Figure A  Sustainability Operational Model

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. 3  Topic 3  Project Development and Management for NGOs

 

Speaker:  Dorit Lehrack/International  Advisor

Chinese Association for NGOs, China

Moderator: Xiaoping Tian, CEDPA, USA

 

Through analyzing two case studies, the audience should get know with the fact, that there are certain conditions necessary in order to implement a project successfully and to really make an impact.

 

Following lacks may result in failing of the project:

 

In project planning:

 

Whilst the above described “lacks” are typical for project management across the world, in China the problems of “ownership” and “hierarchy” must be understood as a cultural problem and tackled in that way.

 

The question of “who owns the project” is essential in order to get everybody “in the boat” and motivate stakeholders to contribute best.

 

Here the questions to be answered are:

 

The question of ownership is linked to the problem of “who will benefit from the project?” Without creating a win-win-situation for all stake holder the project will probably fail. So find out which way you can serve the interests of all partners, not only the direct target groups. For example, you will meet the needs of the donors, if the money is spent in a sustainable way, securing long-term success and reputation of the project…

 

In China, there is often a conflict of interests that is not talked out because of “guan xi”-reasons and/or because the “partner” is at a higher level of hierarchy.

This will cause a lot of problems in project implementation. If the interests of the local authority partner is to get as much as possible “pocket money”, than they will not be interested to create transparency. So, it is better, you get the hidden agenda unveiled!. Maybe there is indeed a lack of resources. In this case, the problem may be tackled already with the project design. Pure “Guan Xi” does not help to resolve a conflict sustainablly, especially if foreign partners participate in the project.

 

 

Some general problems in Project Management by young NGOs are:

 

As a result of case studies, we should design projects, that are

 

The discussion after the presentation was centered around the questions: What and how is to change in order to improve project management of NGOs. Communication needs have been identified as one key to avoid problems at the very beginning. Project objectives should match the resources – small is beautiful. Those, who are in charge of  project implementation, should understand themselves as key success factor. If they fail, the project may fail, but if they act responsible and professionally, communicate and participate the partners, the project will probably make a positive impact.

 

 

 

 

2.4  Topic 4  Introduction to UNDP Small Grant Program for NGOs

 

Speaker:  Shunichi Murata,

UNDP Representative from Japan

Moderator: Yongcheng Wang, Green Home Volunteers, China

 

Established in 1992, the year of the Rio Earth Summit, The GEF Small Grants Programme [SGP] embodies the very essence of sustainable development. By providing financial and technical support to projects in developing countries that conserve and restore the natural world while enhancing well-being and livelihoods, SGP demonstrates that community action can maintain the fine balance between human needs and environmental imperatives. SGP links global, national and local-level issues through a transparent, participatory and country-driven approach to project planning, design and implementation. Grants are made directly to non-governmental organizations [NGOs] and community-based organizations [CBOs] in recognition of the key role they play as a resource and constituency for environment and development concerns. Though SGP grants are small, their impact is large. More than 2300 projects in 60 countries have addressed adverse environmental changes and enriched the lives of tens of thousands of people, in Africa, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The SGP recognizes that the destruction of ecosystems and the species that depend upon them; increasing levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere; pollution of international waters: are the life-threatening challenges we face. Though environmental decay endangers all of us, poor people are most at risk because they depend on access to natural resources for their livelihoods and because they live in fragile ecosystems. The programme operates on the premise that people will be empowered to protect their environment when they are organized to take action, have a measure of control over access to the natural resource base, have the necessary information and knowledge, and believe that their social and economic well being is dependent on sound long-term resource management.

In each participating country, a broad-based national steering committee (NSC) provides overall guidance and strategic direction for the programme and screens and selects projects for grant awards. The committee guides the development of a country strategy and establishes country-specific eligibility criteria within the framework of the overall GEF guidelines. Members of the NSC serve on a voluntary basis and typically represent the government (which must endorse the programme); the CBO/NGO community; national academic, scientific, and technical institutions; and the UNDP Country Office.

A national coordinator is responsible for managing the implementation of the country programme. The coordinator works in close partnership with CBOs and NGOs to help them formulate their project proposals, visits the sites of proposed activities, supports the work of the NSC, and ensures sound programme monitoring and evaluation.

 

 

Eligible Activities

GEF/SGP grants are awarded for activities which support community-level action in the biodiversity, climate change, and international waters focal areas. Activities that address land degradation issues-primarily concerning desertification and deforestation-can be supported if they relate to one or more of these focal areas.

To be eligible for GEF/SGP support, a project proposed for funding must fit the GEF/SGP country programme strategy and country-specific eligibility criteria approved by the NSC. It must also be consistent with the Operational Strategy and relevant Operational Programs established by the GEF: