Networks are a popular way to exchange information, share experiences, and build capacity. Numerous networks have been established, some more successful than others.
When deciding whether to set up a network and (if so) what form the network should take, the organisers should consider the following two sets of questions:
- What is the value added of the network? How is it different from other networks?
- Is the burden (time, dues, etc.) placed on the network members appropriate? Or will it dissuade people from participating
If the decision is made to establish a network, organisers will need to do the following tasks:
- Define the objectives of the network
- What are the geographic scales of the objectives (local, national, subregional, regional, global)?
- What environmental media are targeted (air, water, biodiversity, etc.)?
- What sectors are targeted (government (enforcement officers, judges, legislators, etc.); private sector; NGOs; academia; others)?
- Are there specific goals, after which the network will be disbanded?
- For each of these issues, are the objectives specific or general?
- Identify activities for the network (how the network will pursue its objectives). These may include, for example:
- Joint projects
- Exchange of information, experiences, and other communications (whether electronically or in person, at workshops/conferences/events or through individual exchanges, etc.)
- Coordinated campaigns
- Based on these considerations, define the scope of the network and its membership.
- Geographic
- Thematic
- Sector (government, private sector, NGOs, etc.)
- Size of the network.
- Nature of a “member”: Can individuals be members? Institutions? How are these determined?
- Determine how the network will function.
- How are the members selected? By consensus?
- Will there be a secretariat? Staff?
- How will the network be funded? Will there be dues or in-kind contributions? Will it rely on external funding for it to operate?
- How will the network disseminate information? Often this is done electronically, but do all the members have good Internet access?