International assistance and organizational development: constraints on nature conservation in Belize

The conservation of biological diversity is increasingly viewed as a global problem requiring integrated global solutions. While the maintenance of wildlife diversity is of universal concern, the degree of habitat destruction and the resulting loss of wildlife varies from nation to nation, as does the ability to implement wildlife management programs. At present, the destruction of wildlife habitat is most serious in the developing nations in the biologically-rich tropical region, where more than 50 percent of all known species occur. The need for economic growth in these nations often precludes the commitment of resources needed to develop effective wildlife management programs. With the increasing awareness of an interconnected global environment, conservation non-governmental organizations (CNGOs) in the economically and technically more advanced nations have initiated a large number of wildlife conservation projects in tropical developing nations. Supporting the technical, financial, and institutional development of CNGOs in developing nations is often advocated as an ideal way for CNGOs of the developed world to enhance international conservation and forge international links. Examination of a cooperative relationship between the Massachusetts Audubon Society (MAS) and the Belize Audubon Society (HAS) indicates that establishing effective partnerships between CNGOs from developed and developing nations is not a simple or easy process. The MAS-BAS partnership (November 1984 to October 1988) was beset with miscommunications and misunderstanding as the interests and values of each organization were never clearly understood by the other partner. Details of the relationship provide a better understanding of the pitfalls and problems inherent to international cooperation between CNGOs. Measures for overcoming these constraints are suggested for groups which will try to build similar relationships in the future.