Watershed management, structural characteristics, information processing, and cooperative strategies in conservation organizations

Abstract

This study focuses on evaluating organizational characteristics, the role of watershed-based planning, biodiversity protection efforts, and cooperative strategies in conservation organizations using a mail-out survey. The goal is to get more insights into interrelationships between variables and to summarize the interrelationships for organizational improvement and research. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling (path analysis) are used. There existed paths of influence among structural variables of an organization. Cooperation, volunteerism, publicity, leadership, and better funding opportunities were identified as key factors important for the success of an organization. Administrative leadership, funding, information management, and collaboration were identified as four elements of an organizational framework that were necessary for assessment, reorganization, and design of new organizations. There exists opportunities for more interaction with public and for coordination of efforts at a watershed scale. Education and incentive policies are suggested to improve conservation organizations.