Interest groups and their political influence

African Wildlife Federation:

Function, Purpose, and Methods

When most people think of "special interest groups," they immediately call to mind their negative connotations -- sneaky, manipulative, perhaps "buying off" politicians I order to further their shady agendas. However, in truth many special interest groups are quite useful. According to the dictionary definition, a special interest is "a person, group, or organization attempting to influence legislators or other public officials in favor of one particular interest or issue (TheFreeDictionary, 2004). Of course, whether these interests are valid and useful to the community or world at large is often up for debate. In the case of the African Wildlife Federation, however, their function, purpose and methods do much to insure the continued survival of much of the wildlife and natural habitat in Africa -- arguably, for the benefit of the entire planet.

The main goal of the AWF is to insure "continued existence of some of Africa's most rare and treasured species such as the elephant, the mountain gorilla, rhinoceros and cheetah (AWF, 2004). To do this, the foundation raises money to invest in training individuals within Africa, as well as allocating resources to institutions that forward or advocate conversationalist agendas on the continent. The organization also has a strong scientific emphasis, either conducting research themselves, or contracting with scientists and scientific organizations, for research into "Africa's extraordinary ecosystems (AWF)." Additionally, the organization uses funds to teach concepts of community enterprise and involvement on local levels, as well as facilitates international and cross-border cooperation aimed at protecting species and habitats.

Although few can argue the merit of natural conservation, especially with regard to wildlife species, the activities of AWF require tremendous funds. Toward this goal, the AWF solicits donations from governments, politicians, corporations, and individuals through its "Adopt and African Animal" program, AWF membership programs, proceeds from donated wills and trusts, as well as donated stocks and securities. Additionally, they also perform benefits to benefit the organization (in which items donated by celebrities are often auctioned) (AWF), as well as through accepting donations through employee donation programs (which are often then "matched" by the employers as well).

Given the above description of the AWF, it is of course difficult to imagine a convincing criticism of their activities. Yet, indeed, many assert that in a continent that is so ravaged by poverty, disease, and war -- it is ironic that so much funding, emphasis and compassion are directed toward Africa's wildlife while so little concern is given to the suffering masses of humanity. Although on some levels this is a sadly valid point, if one views the earth as an interconnected environmental whole, one cannot help but view the conservation of the environment -- be it wildlife or habitat -- with favor.