Non-Governmental Organizations

What is a NGO? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwfuvJWybdQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uKWlSIkdVM

The World of NGOs 6,000 NGOs Worldwide (some estimates as high as 40,000) ~10% of Global ODA or ~$8B Range in size from Red Cross to just a few employees Target a variety of issues Poverty Hunger Health The Environment

Advantages of NGOs Less pressure from change in politics Small scale projects More community involvement Can be individually tailored to meet specific community needs Higher “success” rate Less bureaucratic A more “human” face

Disadvantages of NGOs Constant funding difficulties Possible lack of legitimacy Difficult to regulate Can lack transparency and accountability Can be ineffective due to lack of coordination

Types of NGOs Water Resource Related NGOs Environmental/ Ecological Focus Water Supply And Sanitation Policy and Government Lobbying Implementation of Community Projects Network of other NGOs Professional Membership Organization Research and Data Collection Education Transboundary Water Issues Many Others

Development Organization Inter-relationship

Example: Green Cross Green Cross International Promotes legal, ethical and behavioral norms that ensure basic changes in values, actions, and attitudes of government, the private sector, and civil society, necessary to build a sustainable global community Prevents and resolves conflicts arising from environmental degradation Provides assistance to people affected by the environmental consequences of wars and conflicts

Water for Peace: The Jordan River Basin- Phase I Studies and assessments of the current extent of the conflict Strategy development Increase water use efficiency Develop new sources Bring water policy decision makers together Pilot educational projects Recommendations to governments

Example: Water for People Supports sustainable drinking water, sanitation and hygiene projects Vision: A world where all people have safe drinking water Targets goal 7, target 10 of U.N. Millennium Development Goals: “Reduce by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water…”

Questions for Discussion How does the overlap of NGOs hinder or help their goals? How can these organizations collaborate and better share information and resources beyond creating just another NGO networking website and organization? How does the involvement of NGOs in trans-boundary water negotiations (over boarders of neighboring countries) and agreements complement the work of the various governments involved?