International Environmental Conventions and the civil society: a social network analysis in Spain

Abstract

Díaz Reviriego, I., Ruiz Pérez, M., González, J.A. (2012). International Environmental Conventions and the civil society: a social network analysis in Spain.  Ecosistemas 21(1-2):192-202

The International Conventions on Climate Change, Biological Diversity and Desertification are one of the pillars for global environmental management. We analyzed the social networks of 47 Spanish NGOs involved in the promotion and awareness of these conventions. Furthermore we identified the NGOs with the highest levels of communication and interaction activity within the network. The results reveal that the highest levels of participation are in relation to the Climate Change Convention. However, conservation organizations have higher degree of participation in the Biodiversity Convention. The social networks analyzed follow a pattern of "core-periphery" with a low density of social ties.  This study highlights the importance of promoting cooperation between the NGOs, especially among those involved in conservation and development, in order to establish new ties and thereby enhance the ability to affect the conventions and influence Spanish civil society.