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NGO involvement in nature conservation in Australia and Japan : a preliminary study of the differences

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posted on 2023-05-26, 21:58 authored by Matsushita, Sanae
In the past few decades, environmental awareness has significantly increased in many parts of the world. In Australia, nature conservation interest groups have been central in raising this awareness, particularly non-governmental organisations (NG0s). NG0si have performed an important role throughout the history of the Australian nature conservation movement. They have attained considerable social status and political influence. On the other hand, Japanese conservation awareness appears to be generally lower than in Australia. Although many NGOs are enthusiastically working on conservation issues, their status is not as high as their Australian counterparts. This thesis examines the features and importance of NGOs working in the conservation of the natural environment in Australia and Japan. It is a preliminary study, in the sense that it aims to establish whether there are differences between NGOs in the two countries, and to indicate some of the characteristics of such differences. Since Australia and Japan are different historically, culturally, and socially, a broad perspective is needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of nature conservation and NGOs involved in each country. From the relevant literature, the thesis provides a historical perspective as well as investigating some important socio-cultural aspects. In addition, interviews with representatives from selected NGOs at different scales (international, Federal/National, State/Prefectural, and local) in each country were undertaken to examine their current involvement with nature conservation and their relationships with the rest of the community. The interviews are used to define some of the differences, and also to review and supplement the literature findings. The sample of NGOs was small and the information sought was mostly qualitative. Thus, the results cannot claim to represent NGOs in general, but are useful explanations of NGO characters and operations which can suggest further areas of research. The thesis points to several significant differences between Australian and Japanese conservation NG0s. For example, Australian NGOs are far more involved in Federal and State politics, in contrast to the distancing of Japanese NGOs from national political structures. Generally, public support for NGOs appeared to be the key factor generating the observed differences. Chronological, historical, and social factors are suggested as possible influences fashioning public attitudes to both nature conservation and conservation NG0s.

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Copyright 1996 the Author - The University is continuing to endeavour to trace the copyright owner(s) and in the meantime this item has been reproduced here in good faith. We would be pleased to hear from the copyright owner(s). Includes bibliographical references. Thesis (M.Env.St.)--University of Tasmania, 1996

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