Associated Membership in the Living Lakes Network

So far, the Living Lakes Network consists of the partner organisations, which are either full members or candidates for full membership. There are, however, organisations which would like to join the Network but do not fulfil the requirements for full membership, because:

• represent lakes / wetlands which have already a partner in the Living Lakes Network of the same country or region
• the lake / wetland does not fulfil the ecological importance
• the institution does not fulfil the Living Lakes-NGO criteria

But for the Network it might be advantageous to have regular contact and cooperation with such an organisation because for example:

• it is a very active & politically agile institution
• it is innovative in the management / conservation / education of lakes and wetlands
• it is well known and/or has a good reputation in the region / country / international
• it could Increase the number of international contacts and supporters ("higher diversity")

1. Structure

• Creation of a network of Associates

2. Terms of reference for the selection of an Associate

• Must commit to be in agreement with the Living Lakes vision & mission.

3. Advantages for the Associate

• Will be invited to attend annual Conferences or special events of the Living Lakes Network.
• Will receive the newsletter and annual reports and will be able to purchase network products.
• Have an indirect influence on programs and policies in terms of being invited to comment on an annual basis, on the programmatic direction and issue policy (not administrative).
• Regular information on the work of the Living Lakes Network through the web pages of Living Lakes.
• Increase the ability to lobby and gain political /economic support
• Become more reliable and better known for possible sponsors
• Participation in the Living Lakes Conferences and other events and activities
• Exchange of information (conservation, science, technologies, etc.) with all the Living Lakes partners and associates
• Increase in "weight" by having more potential to appear in the media
• Being part of an international network

4. Procedures for the selection of an Associate

• Applications by written request to the Living Lakes Headquarter, by agreeing to the Terms of Reference (point 2), filling out a questionnaire and signing a contract by an authorised person.
• GNF will send applications of applicants for Associated Membership via e-mail to all Living Lakes Members. If there is no negative comment until a given deadline, the application is accepted. If there is a negative comment, further discussions must follow.
• The GNF board takes the final decision and informs the applicant in a written document.

More information about the Associated Members of the Living Lakes network is available here.