Difªculties faced in Materializing a Transnational ENGO Conservation Network
Iosif Botetzagias, Prue Robinson, and Lily Venizelos
Accounting for Difªculties faced in Materializing a Transnational ENGO Conservation Network: A Case-Study from the Mediterranean •
Iosif Botetzagias, Prue Robinson, and Lily Venizelos
Introduction Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) “are strategic organizations whose arsenal includes the formation of coalitions, tactical lobbying and multi-level campaigning.”1 The most basic linkage form, of paramount importance for any subsequent coalition’s formation, lobbying etc., is networking. Networks are considered as open, ºexible, dynamic, horizontal organizational forms or sets of interconnected nodes—as opposed to hierarchies and market-based exchanges2—which “communicate . . . sharing values or goals”3 in a “voluntary, reciprocal and horizontal” way.4 As Stone argues, “a network ampliªes and disseminates ideas, research and information to an extent that could not be achieved by individuals or institutions alone.”5 Organizations opt for networking since in the long run it can offer them a number of potential beneªts, such as increased access, efªciency, visibility, credibility or legitimacy, reduced isolation as well as providing solidarity and support.6 Network participation gives free access to information, expertise and (possibly) ªnancial resources while it is also initiated by the (potential) members’ realization that some goals can be better attained through collaboration than by acting alone,7 especially since each network member brings along its speciªc strengths and fulªls a particular role.8 For small and peripheral NGOs (especially in the South, or developing countries) participation in a transna1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Yanacopulos 2005, 37–38. Hudson 2001, 334. Castells 1996, 470, cited in Hudson 2001. Keck and Sikkink 1998, 91. Stone 2002, 3. Liebler and Ferri 2004, 28–29. Meadows, Meadows, and Randers 1992. Richards and Heard 2005, 31.
Global Environmental Politics 10:1, February 2010 © 2010 by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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