NGO scientific collaboration networks for marine conservation in the southern cone: A case study

Abstract

In recent decades, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have become more involved in conservation science, playing a key role in scientific research. Despite its importance, the dynamics of scientific networks among these organizations have not been widely studied. This paper examined scientific collaboration network of NGOs in South America, based on a systematic bibliographic publications survey with member organizations of the Forum for the Conservation of the Patagonian Sea and areas of influence (FCPS). We describe the countries, research funds, types of institutions, topics covered, and where these studies were conducted. Using a network perspective, we analyzed the structure of scientific collaborations, identifying relevant measures of the social capital network. The results show that this network is growing and expanding over time, with greater participation of institutions and research funds from the north-hemisphere countries, and composed mainly of universities, research institutes, NGOs, and government agencies. Most studies address animal function and behavior, impacts of human activities, and management along with marine area conservation, located mostly in Argentina. Northern hemisphere organizations and forum´s international NGOs, are the central actors in the scientific networks, working closely with domestic research institutes, forum NGOs, and universities from Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. We found that participation in research funds, time frame in the network, and physical presence of forum organizations are the strongest predictors of social capital. Our results also offer new insights into the role of ENGOs in supporting, scientific knowledge for marine conservation policy options, especially in the countries of the Southern Hemisphere.