3.4. Role of NGOs in Protection of Environment
The rapid growing and economic development is leading to number of environmental issues in India. In order to deal with the increasing damage to environment many Non-Governmental organizations have been set up.
♤ They play a crucial role in helping to plug gaps by conducting research to facilitate policy development, building institutional capacity, and facilitating independent dialogue with civil society to help people live more sustainable lifestyles.
♤ The issues like future of environmental protection, sustainable development and zero population growth are some of the major concerns of the environmental NGOs.
♤ Major campaigns by NGOs:
o Climate Change
o Protection of Pristine forests
o Protection of marine life and diversity
o Against whaling
o Against Genetic Engineering/ GMOs
o Prevention of Nuclear Threat to wildlife
o Elimination of chemical and biological toxic waste
o Encouragement of sustainable trade
♤ NGOs carry out mass awareness campaigns, tree planting drives, promoting ecologically sustainable practices for waste removal like vermin-culture and composting instead of dumping in landfills, supporting the use of cycles and green renewable fuels instead of fossil fuels.
♤ Many NGOs specialize in data-driven support to government bodies, showing quantifiable proof that encroachment upon biodiversity and water bodies is dangerous. Their reports become the basis of media attention, educating the masses and eventually molding opinion.
♤ Globally, NGOs have the power to bring about global treaties, including reforms to address regulation of hazardous wastes, bans on landmines, and control of greenhouse gases and emissions. The Centre for Science and Environment for example, has been a leading light on, pollution, toxins in food and beverage and other key areas.
♤ Some major environmental NGOs in India are:
o Greenpeace
o WWF
o Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
o Development Alternatives Group
o The Energy Research Institute
o Birdlife International
o The Centre for Science and Environment
♤ Bombay Natural History Society: It conducts field research projects on bird migration. It also studies certain endangered species of wildlife and their habitat and through environmental education imparts the knowledge and awareness of the need to conserve wildlife.
♤ The Energy Research Institute: Its mission is to develop and promote technologies, policies, and institutions for efficient and sustainable use of natural resources. It deals with policy- related works in the energy sector, research on environmental subjects, development of renewable energy technologies and promotion of energy efficiency in the industry and transport sector.