Governance Decision-Making Tool

Organisational structure

What are the advantages/disadvantages of being a fully independent organisation (e.g. an NGO)?

Being an independent organisation such as a registered charity brings different advantages to those of being closely linked to local government. There may, for example, be a greater number of potential funding sources to apply for, as well as the freedom to decide upon priorities for an area that are independent of local/national government, and (potentially) to pursue fresh and innovative ideas. Which of these models is most suitable depends largely on the political and economic climate in a particular country or region.

Manicouagan-Uapishka Biosphere Reserve in Quebec, Canada, operates as a fully independent NGO, with no government or local authority funding at all. It is entrepreneurial in its approach to income generation, with several “business units” linked to it (each of which has its own board). These include a consultancy company with offices across the region, and research station set up in an old fishing and hunting camp. Overall, representatives from Manicouagan consider this “social entrepreneurship” to have been a successful approach – they are, for example, generate enough profit to reinvest this in aspects of the Biosphere that strongly contribute to its overall aims, but do not generate a profit. These include a research traineeship for students, and accessible books that aim to educate young people about climate change.   

The North-West Highlands Geopark in Scotland, meanwhile, became a Company Limited by Guarantee in 2012 when the local authority reduced its level of support. It has since relied on considerable volunteer efforts, but as an independent organisation, has successfully continued through two UNESCO re-validations.