Civil society

There has been a sharp increase in the active membership of civil society organizations in the past two decades (figure 3.2). During this period civil society organizations have become more capable, sometimes acting independently, sometimes influencing the activities of government and the private sector.⁷

Civil society's role has been most notable in mobilizing support for specific issues, supplying information, and providing third-party verification. Civil society organizations often take initiative and provide voice for unheard interests-building the trust, legitimacy, and knowledge needed. In West Bengal, India, the Ramakrishna Mission works with youth clubs in 1,500 villages, undertaking needs assessments and helping to identify external support for social welfare and development projects.⁸ In Thailand the Appropriate Technology Association has facilitated collaborations among farmers, university scientists, and government authorities to reduce pesticide poisoning through the use of biological controls.⁹

Civil society and the media also play an important monitoring role-for example, improving accountability and reducing incentives for corruption in government. The commercial exploitation of natural resources is particularly susceptible to corruption;¹⁰ for example, in Bolivia, a voracious illegal trade in endangered species in the mid-1980s was facilitated by customs officials who, in the absence of independent oversight, doctored export permits. An active civil society makes it easier for environmental officials and others to publicize mismanagement; for example, in Cameroon civil society plays a role in monitoring a promising new logging concession scheme (chapter 7). When citizens have access to independent sources of information, meaningful channels for political participation, and legal protection against retribution, they can become a strong political force for improved performance in public agencies.

Civil society organizations are particularly important for promoting environmentally sound development strategies. Environmental management often is about "downstream" spillover effects, and NGOs can often provide knowledge and links between geographically dispersed locations. The surge in civic environmental activity has often been part of a broad upward trend in civil society activity generally.¹¹ Opinion surveys consistently reveal levels of public environmental concern in developing countries equal to that in industrial countries.¹²