Dr. Horst Pomp: The role of German NGOs in local/regional EP-activities

Already in 1956 the first Essen Citizens group for the Protection of the Environment in Germany, "Interest group against air pollution Dellwig e.V.", was founded. Initiators were two physicians, Dr. Schmeck and Dr. Roskothen.  
 
In the following years a variety of groups and clubs lined up the comprehensive environmental programms and spontaneous citizen initiatives to start multiple individual environmental projects.  
 
The presentation identifies the structures and functions of the environmental associations and citizens' initiatives. Also the networks - in which they are tied in - will be described. They are based on the local level but are also featuring regional, national and international associations.  
 
The action instruments taken by the NGOs at the local level are presented.

Examples of the influence and difficulties to influence politics, economics, administation management and science are explained.  
 
Examples of successes and failures as well as an outlook on future developments conclude the presentation.