The Role of Non-Governmental Organization in the Formulation of Effective Maritime Policies - Essay Example

The Role of NGOs in the Formulation of Effective Maritime Policies Student’s Name Course Date A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a not-for-profit team or group that is predominantly independent of government (Betsill & Corell, 2007, p. 2). The group is organized by a local, state or even at the international level to take in hand issues supporting the public good. NGOs are often task-oriented and are made up of persons having a common interest. NGOs carry out a range of services as well as humanitarian functions. Some of the duties involve bringing public concerns to governments, checking policy and program completion. Furthermore, the NGOs encourage the involvement of civil society stakeholders at the community level. NGOs influence the formulation of maritime policy through the various roles they play in the society. The marine policy is the sector of private and public policies that looks into marine conservation and protection (Roe, 2013, p.411). In respect to the system, they are established in accordance with both national and international laws and regulation. Also, it requires consideration of maritime labor, ocean laws, policy, and managements as well as maritime security and defense. The Integrated Maritime Policy endeavors to provide a more logical approach to marine issues, which improves coordination between diverse policy areas (Roe, 2013, p. 413). First, the plan focuses on the issues that are not covered under one sector-based policy, for instance, blue growth that checks on economic growth in relation to various maritime sectors. Second, it deals with issues that need the coordination of dissimilar sectors and actors, for example, maritime knowledge and data. The other areas of concern include maritime spatial planning, integrated maritime surveillance and sea basin strategies. In exploring the roles and goals of NGOs towards the maritime policy formulation, this essay focuses on four NGOs. First, we have the Greenspace NGO. Secondly, the essay focuses on the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The International Union For The Conservation Of Nature (IUCN) is the third NGO. Finally, the essay will explore the Green Reef NGO. These NGOs have their areas of specification in relation to International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements. IMO fights for the conservation of the sea and ocean waters as well as the aquatic life in those waters (International Maritime Organization, 2011, p. 4). Greenspace Greenspace NGO, established in the year 2003, operates mainly in the Americas’ territories in the United States (Douglas & James, 2015, p. 462). Greenspace, NCR, Inc. refers to a non-profit organization that is dedicated mainly to promoting economic developments and green real estates. The other areas of concern include development and implementation of green policies as well as providing the stewardship of the growing green communities nationally in the capital regions. Greenspace works with public and non-profit partners in building marine knowledge and development to policymakers, the public and professionals in creating a sustainable community for all. In addition, the NGO provides skills and capacity to various community partners towards establishing a healthier environment. Greenspace works in close association with the IMO in solving the global issues. The NGO handles various environmental issues including energy, climate change, housing as well as land construction and management. In an attempt to solve the above global issues, Greenspace employs vigorous and serious environmental public campaigns. Campaigns against pirate fishing, overfishing, marine pollution and Southern Ocean whaling supports and influences the formulation of the maritime policy. The marine policy takes into account the interconnectedness of human activities and industries centered on the sea (Roe, 2013, p. 415). Greenspace’s campaigns, for instance, creating awareness on the benefits of right fishing, as well as other aspects of environmental conservation, are in line with the above requirement of the maritime policy. The NGO has pushed the UK government into various manifesto commitments that aim at defending the oceans and the aquatic life. Studies reveal that UK is most likely to become an ocean champion in the future (Douglas & James, 2015, p. 470). Today, through the help of the Greenspace, there is an established Green Plan, which aims at solving the sea problems in UK, areas around the shores, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans. Four of the UK-wide parties (Labour, Conservative, Lib Dem and Green) now participate fully with a lot of visionary ideas towards global marine conservation. The global marine conservation comes with many responsibilities. First, the NGO protect all forms of biodiversity. This is in line with the blue growth policy of IMO and the protection results into a peaceful coexistence of organisms on earth (Gilek & Kern, 2015, p. 255). In addition, Greenspace promotes a sustainable environment since it takes care of most of the creatures both in the ocean and on land biodiversity. The second role is preventing abuse and pollution of fresh water, air, land and sea. Again, Greenspace which aims at eliminating marine pollution ensures that the marine restrictions on the sea water usage are adhered to. Ending all nuclear threats is the third function of Greenspace towards the formulation of the maritime policy. The marine life is endangered by the release of toxic wastes and the nuclear materials that are channeled into the oceans or the seas. Through the established maritime policies, Greenspace promotes a global marine conservation that ensures clean and safe marine waters for the aquatic life. Finally, the NGO promotes peace, non-violence, and universal disarmament. Greenspace aids in solving disputes over the ocean and sea territories that would otherwise develop into serious wars. This is a backup of the integrated maritime surveillance as defined by the marine policy. Peaceful coexistence ensures there is no scramble for the marine resources that may lead to extinction. In carrying out the above roles, Greenspace puts into consideration five main core values that facilitate easier operations. These core values act as principles in guiding the daily operations of the NGO. Mission statement is the first core value. Greenspace considers coming up with a goal after which the organization puts on enough resources towards achieving the set goal. The mission statement is significant in NGOs’ operations as it guides on the appropriate paths or channels to follow. In their mission statement, Greenspace outlines their mode of action. That is, independent campaigning, which employs creative, non-violent confrontations in exposing the global environmental issues. The second core value is nonviolence and personal responsibility. The NGO takes personal responsibility for their actions, and they are also committed to nonviolence. The members of the organization are subjected to nonviolent direct training that promotes accountability and nonviolence in their activities. Nonviolence and personal responsibility are inspired by the ‘bearing witness’ concept from Quaker (Douglas & James, 2015, p. 467).The concept advocates for actions based on conscience. Independence is the third principle of Greenspace. The organization ensures financial independence from commercial and political interests that may disrupt their operations. The only source of funds to the NGO includes foundation grants and individual contributions. Indeed, the organization does not take or accept money from any other source. The financial independence gives Greenspace the authority they need to handle power efficiently. Therefore, nobody in the society, however, how powerful they may be, is in a position to influence Greenspace to act in their favor in matters of the environment. The fourth core value is ensuring no permanent foes or friends in their lines of operations. In order to expose the environmental threats, as well as the finding solutions, the NGO does not hold any permanent adversaries or allies. The organization only works with companies or governments that are willing to change. Since the primary concern is an environmental benefit, anybody who acts positively towards the organization’s mission and not just by words remains appreciated by the NGO. Finally, Greenspace values promotion of solutions to the environmental problems (Douglas & James, 2015, p. 469). The organization does not work to manage the environmental issues but rather eliminate the challenges. Therefore, Greenspace seeks solutions and openly promote informed debates about the society’s choices in the environment. Through the establishment of the Energy Revolution blueprint and the marine reserves, the NGO has come up with a well-developed roadmap towards saving the seas and oceans. In ensuring fairness and justice to all, Greenspace does not point figure but rather promotes research and enhances concrete steps towards peaceful and green future for us all. Greenspace primary goal in the environmental issues is the global marine conservation. The organization focuses on various areas towards achieving the goal that is meant to help in the maritime policy formulation. For instance, Greenspace has a conservative manifesto that aims at coming up with conservatives. The manifesto commits to creating a ‘blue belt’ in the regions surrounding the fourteen overseas territories of UK (Douglas & James, 2015, p. 471).Notably, the conservative manifesto pledges to come up with marine reserves around Ascension Island and Pitcaim. The other focus in the goal is the Labour’s Green Plan. The organization is working hand in hand in ensuring that UK becomes a leader globally in marine protection. The Green Plan promises to protect the Pitcaim Islands, South Sandwich, and South Georgia Islands, as well as Ascension Islands. The plan also seeks to consider marine conservation potential in the other UK overseas territories. In addition, the Liberal Democrats manifesto promises to create massive areas of marine protection in Southern Atlantic region. The plan aims at extending the UK’s oversea territories protection in order to create a 1,000,000 km2 ocean reserve in the Southern Atlantic (Churchill & Owen, 2010, p. 72). Through Greenspace, the Liberal Democrats pledge to increase and improve UK efforts in protecting the Arctic Ocean. The body pushes for prevention and protection against the expanding industrial fishing in the Arctic Ocean. Furthermore, the Greens’ manifesto commits to creating a marine reserve in South Atlantic. The declaration ensures that the marine areas and the overseas territories’ conservation are funded accordingly to their level of global importance. For instance, Greenspace prioritizes maintenance and expansion of the treaties aimed at biodiversity protection and the endangered species. One of the policies influenced and developed by Greenspace is known as Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The policy’s principal aim is to ensure long-term and high fishing yields all year round (Churchill & Owen, 2010, p. 84). CFP helps in managing the fish stocks that have a high but limited reproductive capacity. Fisheries management employs CFP in controlling the outputs, inputs or a combination of the two. Input controls include rules on water access, fishing effort controls, and technical measures. On the other side, output controls include quotas that limit the total allowable catches from a particular fishery. The CFP is in line with the maritime policy of marine knowledge and data as it also deals with scientific advice and data as well as the control measures. Such measures ensure fair application of rules and compliance by every fisherman. World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) WWF is one of the international NGOs founded in 1961 (Murray, 2012, p. 250). The organization works on issues regarding the research, restoration, and conservation of the environment. The NGO was formerly called World Wildlife Fund, the official name that remains in the United States and Canada. The group later changed the name to ‘World Wide Fund for Nature’ in 1986 (Murray, 2012, p. 252).WWF is the biggest conservation organization worldwide with an estimated 5 million supporters. It operates in over 100 countries and supports around 1,300 environmental and conservation projects. The group has varied sources of funds including funds from bequests and individuals, and governments’ sources (USAID and World Bank). WWF participates in fisheries protection and management, news provision, especially in the most threatened fisheries. The group’s mission aims at stopping the degradation of the natural environment and building a harmonious nature between the humans and the nature. Currently, the group focuses on the conservation of coasts and oceans, freshwater and forests ecosystems. Such biodiversity conservation promotes the formulation of maritime policy. Among other issues, the group takes care of pollution, endangered species and climate change. WWF plays the manager role in the formulation of maritime policy. The group directly implements coastal or marine conservation by engaging the public, governments and other bodies on matters of the environment. The group helps in the formulation of maritime policy by implementing management activities including habitat restoration and reserve administration (Murray, 2012, p. 255). While management is a distinct role according to terrestrial conservation studies, the application of management to marine conservation is rather more complex. Conservation NGOs do purchase land and easements in tackling some of the environmental issues. However, this approach is rare and groups such as WWF focus on co-administration or administration of the reserves, habitat restoration, or service provision. WWF administers or co-manages government reserves, specifically in regions where government’s capacity to manage is lacking. This promotes marine spatial planning and zoning, both which functions in accordance with the IMO requirements. The group majorly focuses on the wetlands and coastal lands especially during habitat restoration (Murray, 2012, p. 256). For instance, WWF constructs underwater sills that assist in reducing erosion. The other measures include replanting the native wetlands plants, as well as regular beach clean ups. In order to efficiently achieve their goals, WWF works in close collaboration with other NGOs, investment banks, governments, scientists, and local communities, among others. The group also carries out public campaigns that seek to educate the public on environmental friendly habits. In the campaigns, WWF urges people to donate resources required in protecting the environment. The group’s efforts focus on two broad areas or goals-Biodiversity and Footprint. The 2050 biodiversity goal aims at conservation of the most earth’s outstanding places (Betsill & Corell, 2013, p. 15). The conservation in return focuses on a sustainable and secure future for all. Therefore, the group targets critical species and key places that are specifically significant for the rich biodiversity conservation. WWF adopts innovative partnership that brings together high-level policy, on-the-ground-conservation and advocacy to make industries and businesses more sustainable. The second goal, 2050 footprint goal aims at earth’s capacity for sustaining life and an equitable share of the natural resources (Betsill & Corell, 2013, p. 16). Through innovative partnerships that combine on-the-ground conservation, high-level policy, and advocacy, the group aims to make business & industry more sustainable. The group works towards reducing the humanity’s ecological footprint. The main focuses include the supply of water, food, timber and fiber, as well as the absorption of CO2 emissions. WWF aims at finding practical solutions to the environmental challenges. WWF is famous for its policy on resource and habitat management. The organization helps and convinces political bodies and governments to adopt and strengthen policies, laws and guidelines that have impacts on the natural resource use and biodiversity. The group also advises governments accordingly whenever there is a need to change the existing policies, legislation and directives as far as natural resources and biodiversity are concerned. Furthermore, WWF ensures that the political bodies and the governments consent to the requirements of natural resource and biodiversity conservation. To ascertain commitments to the instruments relating to environmental conservation and protection, the group always strikes agreements. For instance, in 2012, the WWF-UK Chief Executive, David Nussbaum brought in to lime light the inappropriate way shale gas is used in UK (Murray, 2012, p. 250). The government of UK had to reaffirm its commitment to tackling climate change. The move was aimed at prioritizing renewable, as well as energy efficiency. The International Unions For Conservation Of Nature (IUCN) IUCN members are those states of international nongovernmental organization, governmental agencies, and some affiliations. By 2014, IUCN had 128 members. The same year, there were seven regional committees and 56 national committees. Member states are allowed to organize themselves into local committees, or as well they can organize themselves into national committees in order to endorse developments (Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, 2013, p. 105). The IUCN outlined its apparition for a maritime policy in the 2007 Communication. There is an Incorporated Maritime Policy for the IUCN that covers the entire aspects and segments of the organization’s linkage with the oceans and seas. Such kind of integrated policies calls for extensive cooperation with international organizations and related multidimensional fora. Moreover, IUCN activities are facilitated by significant life features presently. The first driving factor is global and the consumption outline. , it established that the patterns are very destructive to human life support system. Nature use is the second factor that is given consideration by IUCN. Nature has been persistently and dangerously used at a wasteful rate. The potential power of nature is under-exploited by Governments, private sectors, and the local communities. As well, the solution is capable of handling the global challenges in various areas of food security, climate change, social and economic development. Ideally, the IUCN is committed to calling and facilitating this nature-based solution (Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, 2013, p. 105). IUCN’s role has the global power on nature based-solution, biodiversity conservation and environment related solutions including environmental governance. Under the global power, there are three primary areas that are keenly looked into by IUCN. The first area is valuing and conserving nature. In relation to this maritime policies are being formed based on IUCN’s core land activities on biodiversity. IUCN plays a very significant role in the marine policy formulation by critically stressing on nature conservation particularly on both tangible and intangible values of life. The maritime policy development relies mostly on the role played by IUCN in advocating for equitable and efficient governance of life. It ensures that IUCN applies the maritime policy in their consolidated work. The system is based on the association of people versus nature, the political economy of nature, as well as rights and responsibilities of nature(International Maritime Organization, 2011, p.21). Lastly, IUCN looks into nature developments in connection with global challenges on food and climate. In addition, the group employs general development role that contributes significantly to Maritime policy formulations. It does this by expanding works on nature which in turn facilitates combating problems based on sustainable development. With reference to social policy, IUCN has had goals that influence policy existence and durable International Maritime Organization. Some of the IUCN goals that affect maritime formulation include efficient management of nature for human thrive and promotion of human understanding on nature conservation. Also, this body is committed to promoting acknowledgment and coding respect to native people, as well as recognition of communal rights and institutions. On the same, it provides assistance conservation policies in relation to Indigenous knowledge and cultural values. Consequently, the accomplishment of these goals requires IMO to address efficiently and incorporate primary social issues in its conservation plans. Therefore, in formulating its policies, IMO has to be linked with the IUCN’s missions based on the environment and sustainable developments (International Maritime Organization, 2011, p. 21). Conservation needs a deep understanding of complicated interlinks among various organizations and between people and environment. Hence, IMO gives much weight in checking the goals of IUCN in the process of policy creation and implementation so as to avoid overlapping aims to be achieved by their policies. The success of IMO policies depends on the degree of relation between IUCN roles and goals. IUCN specifically aims at promoting sustainable natural resource management and conservation. Similarly IMO is committed to embracing socio-cultural and political equity and diversity. Peace is the driving factor that enhances the attainment, maintenance and preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem at large. Hence, IUCN through its roles and objectives influences maritime policies that improve ability to apply sustainable and equitable paradigms to natural resource conservation based on principles of social equity. Green Reef Green Reef NGO is dedicated to the Belize Barrier Reef conservation and environmental protection (Lougheed, 2010, p. 97). Apart from the Belize Reef, the organization focuses on the associated marine environment so as to uphold the importance of the ecosystems. Green Reef was founded in1996 by the concerned and responsible Belizean citizens. As an educational and scientific organization, the group aims at promoting interests in wildlife, as well as the conservation of the natural resources. The audience of the group includes teachers, students, fisherman, visitors, tourism guides and the general public. Green Reef provides maritime knowledge and data that assist in the formulation of the maritime policy. The organization links the community with conservationists, scientists, and resource managers through data collection of the marine life and other related activities. The maritime data helps in protecting and understanding marine populations. Green Reef carries out its Fish Survey Project through the volunteer fish monitoring programs that aim at achieving the group’s primary goal. The participants in the Fish Survey Project learn about the environment issues and adjust accordingly in line with the maritime policy (Roe, 2015, p. 419). In addition, the participants produce valuable information that is used in the campaigns for environmental conservation. Several bodies including the general public, scientists and marine park staff use the volunteers’ information and data in correcting the environmental issues. Green Reef seeks to protect marine life through service provision, education, and research. Green Reef staff performs various roles such as the execution of research and commissioned monitoring activities. They also write and edit proposals that are directed to the different concerned bodies that have similar interests. For instance, the organization sensitizes Belizean citizens and the friends to support conservation issues (Lougheed, 2010, p. 98). The other role of Green Reef is in educating the Belizean youths as well as the public on the need for protecting and conserving the reef. In addition, the NGO supports government agencies, institutions, and related conservation groups. Moreover, Green Reef opens dialog with the government representatives, community officials, and the concerned persons to campaign for changes in policy, legislation, and behavioral adaptations. In performing the above roles, the organization applies particular philosophy and values. Such values employed by the NGO must be relevant to the requirements of the maritime policy. First, Green Reef respects and upholds human, environmental, physical and cultural assets of the region and country of operation. Secondly, all the Belizeans are to be involved meaningfully in the development projects without any discrimination. Lastly, Green Reef only operates in a way that shows the highest level of ethical standards without the exception of environmental ethics and human activity. Apart from the above roles, the goals set by Green Reef organization are vital towards the formulation of the maritime policy. First, the organization aims at promoting sustainable development by involving the community. Green Reef sensitizes the public through environmental education programs and public awareness towards attaining the above goal. The other goal that is closely linked to the IMO requirements is the conservation and protection of Belize Barrier Reef (Lougheed, 2010, p. 101). The organization aims at extending the protection and conservation of resources through research programs and establishment of projects. Other measures include involvement in international and regional organizations and activities/programs. One of the policies developed by the Green Reef team is in the ethic of stewardship both to the future and current generations. The policy advocates for ethics in environmental practices that aim at a sustainable environment for all. The system requires the governments, political bodies, and the general public to adhere to the ethical legislations and behaviors. Any breach of environmental laws that impacts the marine life negatively is taken care of by this policy. The above discussed NGOs are important in the management of environmental issues. The NGOs carry out serious education programs and public awareness on environmental protection and conservation. Most of the roles and goals of the discussed NGOs are relevant in the formulation of the maritime policy that protects and conserves the marine life. Indeed, the shipping industry has benefited a lot from the NGOs. There has been improved stakeholder coordination in the maritime sector, more durable and better conservation outcomes, and increased stakeholder ownership, among others. The positive results of the above NGOs’ operations have improved the level of marine conservation and protection. References BETSILL, M. M., & CORELL, E. (2007). NGO Diplomacy: the influence of non-governmental organizations in international environmental negotiations. Cambridge, Mass, MIT Press. CHURCHILL, R. R., & OWEN, D. (2010). The EC is common fisheries policy. Oxford, Oxford University Press. DOUGLAS, I., & JAMES, P. (2015). Urban Ecology: An Introduction. GILEK, M., & KERN, K. (2015). Governing Europes marine environment: Europeanization of regional seas or regionalization of EU policies? http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&A N=841 581. GLOBAL CORAL REEFS MONITORING NETWORK. (2013). Ioc/UNEP/IUCN Global Coral Reefs Monitoring Network: Strategic Plan. Paris, UNESCO. INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION. (2011). Marine environmental awareness. London, International Maritime Organization. LOUGHEED, V. (2010). Belize - The Cayes. West Palm Beach, Hunter Pub. http://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=738536. MURRAY, K. (2012). The Language ofa Leader: How CEOs Communicate to influence, achieve and inspire results. London, Kogan Page. http://www.books24x7.com/marc.asp?bookid=44240. ROE, M. (2013). Maritime governance and policy-making. London, Springer. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10587327. Read More