Representing Transnational Environmental Interests: New Opportunities for Non-Governmental Organisation Access within the World Trade Organisation?

Abstract

What opportunities does the World Trade Organisation (WTO) offer for the representation of transnational environmental concerns by non-governmental organisations (NGOs)? Even prior to the Seattle protests in 1999, social movement pressure prompted WTO to increase its engagement with civil society groups, derestrict documents, facilitate NGO-oriented symposia and briefings, and extend access to ministerial meetings. A survey of NGO participants in recent WTO environment briefings reveals their positions on current and proposed modes of civil society input, the feasibility and legitimacy of which are discussed. Their recent coalition-building with development NGOs on specific trade campaigns is evidence that transnational environmental NGOs have grasped the need to appeal to developing country interests in order to widen political support for ecological concerns within the WTO.