Citizen Action for Global Change: The Neptune Group and Law of the Sea » (1 ED)

A case study of the effectiveness of nongovernmental organizations in international and national arenas, Ralph B. Levering describes and analyzes the work of three U.S.-based NGOs, known collectively as the Neptune Group. He discusses the group's successful efforts during the Third United Nations Conference on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III1973-1982). He details the group's effectiveness supporting negotiations in Washington and addressing the news media and public opinion.

One of the most important international conferences of modern times, UNCLOS III thoroughly revised and updated the law of the sea. By organizing seminars and conducting research on difficult issues facing the conference, facilitating the flow of information among delegates, and publishing a newspaper, Neptune, the Neptune Group became the leading NGO at the conference.

Engagingly written, this history and memoir will interest students, scholars, officials, environmentalists, religious and world-order activists, and anyone interested in efforts to help create a more just and peaceful world order.

Booknews

Activists can make a difference against environmentally-unfriendly corporate interests. R. Levering (history, Davidson College, North Carolina) and his late mother present a case study of a nongovernmental organization's participation in the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea that culminated in the 1982 signing of a new ocean treaty. Miriam Levering, a Quaker activist, served as the Neptune Groups's representative at the UNCLOS III conference. Includes a chronology of its meetings, 1973-1982, and several b&w photos. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)