Protecting the natural environment is a challenge. No single agency, group or individual can accomplish this large and complex task on their own. The "to do" list continues to grow and varies, from the need to increase environmental awareness and education, conduct research and inventories and devise resource use strategies to advocating for political change, restoring lost or degraded habitat and learning lessons from past mistakes.

Government agencies do exist to tackle some of these issues; however, they are limited by reactive and weak environmental legislation and by political decisions that often involve resource trade-offs. Furthermore, when it comes to short term economic or social gains versus longer term planning for protection of the environment, environment usually loses out. Government represents society, and society has yet to fully realize that the environment is an intricate part of any social, health or economic issue.

Individuals may do their part by changing their daily activities to lessen the size of their own "footprint" on the environment. But composting, taking public transit or re-using cottage cheese containers only goes so far; especially when we hear the news of yet another oil tanker spill contaminating the ocean environment and that plastic and chemical production continues to rise to meet increasing demands.

Sometimes groups of concerned individuals with the same vision come together to tackle some of the larger environmental challenges, and suddenly the power in numbers becomes evident. These groups are able to identify where gaps exist and devise immediate strategies to deal with environmental problems. They are experts in their fields. Their mandates are not limited to gaining more votes or to economic profits. Instead they use current science and past history to address the needs of nature in the longer term. Whether they focus on working cooperatively to affect change within the system, or by more direct pressure for change in the system, a niche is filled. These groups, formally structured with a clear mandate for environmental conservation, are called Environmental Non-Government Organizations (ENGO�s).

At present, there are several ENGO�s working in Langley. Langley Environmental Partners Society (LEPS) is one example. This society began operating 7 years ago with a strong mandate to train and provide environmental work experience to students and youth, while at the same time conducting important environmental education and restoration projects within the Langley area. Over the years, LEPS has evolved into an umbrella organization, drawing together environmental interest groups and individuals in the area and providing assistance and technical support. LEPS receives direction from environmental government agencies, the local school board and community stewardship groups. This is an ENGO that works from within the system by building cooperation among landowners, government, businesses and others to try to resolve conflicts.

One area where LEPS has made considerable progress has been in working with local farmers to address the problem of livestock freely entering and impacting fragile stream ecosystems. Another success has been a lengthy stream mapping initiative whereby trained students, volunteers and displaced fishermen have collected valuable stream information for over 600km of local watercourses. The maps and information are made available to government and community groups to encourage better planning and protection for our precious local resources. LEPS will continue to evolve as members help to determine niches that need to be filled.

The Salmon River Enhancement Society is another example of a local ENGO. This society is a volunteer community organization which is very concerned about the "health" of the Salmon River. This group has enjoyed success in public education and involvement activities, water quality monitoring and participation in the DFO fish fence. Their most effective environmental tactic is political pressure at all levels of government.

ENGO�s are a voice for the public who share the same vision; their success is driven by the actions of those who want to make a difference. Please call 533-6136 if you would like more information about local ENGO�s.

Note: the above is part of a series of articles by the Salmon River Watershed Management Partnership. This Partnership is not an ENGO, like the ones described in this article, it is a local round-table formed by ENGO�s, regulatory agencies, local government and business working towards the completion and implementation of an integrated management plan for the Salmon River Watershed.