CEN-IP MEMBERS AND PARTNERSHIPS

The CEN-IP is a network of ENGOs from across Canada. When the environmental movement was at its peak in the early 1990s, there were approximated 2,200 environmental NGOs in Canada. In the last decade with globalization, priorities on economic liberalization (WTO emergence, NAFTA, FTAA), government fiscal restraint, and a declining focus and funding for environmental activities, the number of Canadian ENGOs today has decreased to around 650. Not all of these organizations are well-placed to work internationally as their focus is local or regional in scope. There are approximately 65 organizations involved in some capacity with the international program. Most of the members are or have worked with the Environment and Sustainable Development Program (ESDP) of the Canadian International Development Agency. The direct beneficiaries of the IP program are both the Canadian and Southern ENGOs involved or interested in international work, and the agencies and government institutions that liaise with the environmental sector.

Please visit our directory (an evolving document) for more information about the members and partners involved in the CEN-IP.

The CEN-IP put together a series of case studies profiling partnerships working on agriculture-related issues. Click here to download the series.

SOUTHERN PARTNERS

The individual ENGOs within IP are partnered with ENGOs in countries from around the world. A list of countries and organizations can be viewed in the directory. IP itself has relations with both North and South countries through networks and sector based discussions. The Southern countries involved in partnerships are those that qualify for official Canadian Overseas Development Assistance. In general, a Southern partner should be a non-profit organization incorporated as such in the Southern country whose work is primarily involved in sustainability issues including the environment. In general, partnerships should be a mutual exchange between two organizations cooperating on common issues.

If you are a potential Southern partner and are looking for a Canadian partner IP may be able to facilitate contact with a Canadian ENGO and vice versa. Start by using the directory and then contact one of the Teamnet members.

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH INTERNSHIPS

A number of the Canadian ENGOs involved in international work have internship programs. Often the interns spend some time with the Canadian ENGO at their site before heading overseas for 3 to 8 months to work with their partner organizations. More information is available through member sites and through CIDA, DFAIT and HRDC who all fund and administer internship programs.