In 1986, representatives from 15 Dutch environmental organisations met to discuss the daily reality that thousands of nature- and environmental organisations in developing countries have to cope with. All these organisations contribute to the wellbeing of people and their natural environment in their own way, often in crucial ways: preventing roads from being build in endangered rain forests or protecting coral reefs in valuable fishing waters. These organisations often operate within a context of political repression and lack information, contacts and financial, political and moral support. In reaction to this serious issue, Dutch environmental organisations created Both ENDS: Environment and Development Service.
We have offered help in fundraising, in creating networks in and outside the Netherlands and in collecting relevant information. We also brought issues of groups of people in developing countries to the attention of policymakers and the corporate world on a local, national and international level.
Together with local organisations we've initiated programs that were specifically focused on the management and protection of river stream flow areas, forests, wetlands and dry areas.