Network governance and the role of environmental non-governmental organizations in Belize

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the network governance theory with special reference to environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) in Belize. The main data for this research were obtained through structured interviews with 10 key ENGOs, in order to explore whether these organizations were influential in improving environmental governance through collaborative networks. The chapter concludes that networking and collaborative schemes between the ENGOs themselves, ENGOs with state agencies and ENGOs with affected communities do indeed need to improve the effectiveness of ENGO action in promoting environmental governance. The main message that emerges from the responses to the survey questions is that network governance has many advantages. Noting the benefits of collaboration and networking, the chapter concludes that ENGOs should be careful not to waste resources in competing, rather than collaborating, with each other when planning or executing their environmental conservation project initiatives. Strengthening alliances among ENGOs and those with government agencies as well as fostering a sense of ownership in the affected communities could lead to integrated mechanisms in matters related to environmental protection. This, in turn, would enable ENGOs to improve their effectiveness in promoting good environmental governance in Belize.