NG0s which specialise in conservation education have played an important role in the development of whale watching since its inception in the 1960's. NG0s produced the first educational materials used in whale watching. As whale watching grows exponentially around the world, the role of NG0s is more important than ever. The Workshop noted, for instance, that throughout discussions on previous topics, the assistance of NG0s was recommended or acknowledged.
NG0s are often responsible for the development and production of a variety of educational programmes associated with whale watching. teaching materials, general public awareness campaigns, posters, adoption campaigns, and guide training workshops.
A number of contributions to be made by NG0s was noted and are listed here in no order of priority
To facilitate networking between NG0s themselves and with whale watch operations and other relevant parties such as governments, local authorities, and the media and to act as mediators when appropriate. Much of the work of NG0s involves negotiations with, and the educating of, ministries of fisheries and/or tourism.
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One area where NGO support has been essential is in creating and running workshops to train guides and whale watch operators. This effort should be continued and expanded.
Vital long-term support for whale watch educational programmes has come primarily from NG0s, often international groups working with local groups or individuals. Continuity and sensitivity to local customs and issues is an important part of this activity.
Where regulations are being considered or developed, local and international NG0s should become involved so that the constituencies they represent may have a voice in the outcome. It was noted that the sooner a problem is recognised, the easier it is to solve. NG0s provide not just funding and expertise, but vision. They can and should provide stimulation, inspiration, education and hope in efforts to protect and conserve local cetaceans. To this end, NGOs should continue and expand work with local people to implement and increase the feeling of stewardship and responsibility for education about protection of cetaceans and the local environment as a whole.
NG0s which specialise in conservation education should actively seek opportunities to further promote educational programmes, and to address the issue of weak or non-existent educational programmes in a way which is always sensitive to local customs and culture. The Workshop felt that local NG0s should actively seek to be involved in any whale watch education programmes in their area. In some cases, these local groups may be usefully supported by international NG0s.
An example comes from Argentina, where an NGO (Fundación Cethus) produced a series of five documentary films on whales and whale watching. The documentaries feature a talk by a cetacean researcher and have been promoted by television, radio and newspapers. Thus the NGO has reached and educated a large audience.
In certain areas of the world (Japan and Iceland, for example) NG0s have little political effectiveness or influence. in such places, NG0s should work in a pragmatic and culturally sensitive way through individuals, communities and existing government institutions. In no case should encouragement of whale watching be pursued or viewed as an aggression on or violation of local custom.
NG0s also have an important role in promoting whale watch education at international fora, such as the IWC and UNEP. It was seen as vitally important that NG0s coordinate their efforts, at all levels, to ensure that they are complementary and that there is no duplication of effort or conflicting agendas. It was also thought vital that NG0s seek support from each other.
International NG0s may be seen as an important resource for local groups. One of their functions is that of monitoring and evaluating activities and materials. International NG0s can also fund studies of such things as demographics of whale watching clients, effectiveness of campaigns, and then present these to local NG0s.
No group has unlimited funds. Therefore, NG0s should coordinate, cooperate and prioritise for the most effective and efficient utilisation of funds and activities.
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