ICEH Papers

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION (NGOS) SPEARHEADING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Samuel, Reeni and Dr. V. Thanikachalam “Non-Governmental Organization (Ngos) Spearheading Public Participation In Environmental Issues” in Martin J. Bunch, V. Madha Suresh and T. Vasantha Kumaran, eds., Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Environment and Health, Chennai, India, 15-17 December, 2003. Chennai: Department of Geography, University of Madras and Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University. Pages 427 – 440.

Abstract:

Development is a continuous process and is essential to enable the population to attain a better standard of life. But it should not be at the cost of the environment. Of late many developmental projects are focused only on tunnel vision that is obvious, but the negative impacts (on the environment), are totally ignored.

It is not development per se, that is wrong, but development without control, without concern about its impact on the environment that is wrong. The masses that are affected are usually ignorant, or are too poor to raise their voice.

Review of literature has shown that Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have played and continue to play an important role in organizing mass movements by creating awareness about the negative impact of the projects on the environment, and the peoples responsibility. There are Environmental NGOs working at international, national and at local levels. The literature surveyed from the Internet, environmental magazines, books, journals and newspapers shows that the Environmental NGOs are able to create a positive impact in protecting the environment and sustaining human growth..

It is concluded from the survey of literature that, inspite of the weaknesses, Environmental NGOs have been able protect the environment and their presence is essential in streamlining “developmental projects” so that the developmental activities are focused on sustainable development.

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