Middle East and North Africa

This chapter reviews and evaluates the social and environmental movements in the Arab countries of the Middle East and North Africa. It is noticeable that economic and social concerns in these countries, characterized by predominantly authoritarian regimes, overshadow the environmental concerns of communities. Demonstrators in the Arab Spring demanded political freedom, respect for human rights, better economic conditions, and leadership and/or regime changes; they rarely chanted for environmental justice. The civil society seems to expand and diversify in relatively more democratic countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia. The scope of activities that these organizations support differ significantly across the region, depending on the local socio-economic, political, and developmental needs. Environmental NGOs in the region usually engage in traditional activities targeting nature and wildlife conservation, promoting biodiversity, animal rights, and organized awareness campaigns, among other causes. This chapter reports that individual membership in environmental NGOs is not a common engagement activity for the Arab youth.

Archaeology · Geography · Middle East · History · Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies · Middle East and Rwanda Conflicts · Middle East Politics and Society