The Role of Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations in Natural Resources Management Extension (Case Study in Iran)

Abstract

This study describes the emergence, development and functions of Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (ENGO) and addresses their role and impact in Natural Resources Management Extension (NRME) in Iran. The study also attempts to describe the collaboration and support of government organizations managing natural resources, mainly National Forest and Pasture Organization (NFPO) and Environmental Conservation Organization (ECO) and locally based ENGOs in this country. Quasi-Experimental research method is used in this research. Statistics population used concern committee members of 204 registered ENGO from which 65 ENGOs participated in the call up for research meeting. Questioner used in field research to attained necessary data consisted of 60 questions. The validity coefficency of this questioner (Cronbach's alpha coefficient) was α=92.17. In this research, 18 independent variables and one dependent variable were measured. In reviewing the research results, 100 types and over 2500 ENGO are identified from which close to 9% are registered. The average level of ENGOs relations with NFPO and its effect upon their activities scored at low and very low respectively and they rarely receive expert services from NFPO. Similarly, the impact of ECO upon the activities of ENGOs and relationship between them both were rated at medium level. The overall average rank of ENGOs success in NRME was at medium level which is less than hoped. At the end of this research, few hypotheses dealing with the effect of independent variables upon dependent variable were tested and some recommendations for better use of ENGOs with respect to NRME in Iran are presented.