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862 NATURAL RESOURCES JOURNAL [Vol. 40 Fall 2000] MANAGING ECOSYSTEM CONSERV AT/ON 863 (CEDO), have been effective in soliciting local involvement,200 but no established community or environmental organization has yet emerged as the primary facilitator of local involvement and advocate for local interests. One importmt development is the recent grassroots organization of local interests in the Delta. During the summer of 1999, Delta residents formed the Asociaci6n Ecol6gica de Usarios de 105 Rios Hardy y Colorado to share information and seek consensus on the issues affecting the area, to promote ideas to improve the management of the Delta's natural resources, and to develop sustainable development projects.201 The Association's membership includes broad representation, including individuals who work in the fishing industry, tourism, and agriculture, as well as other stakeholders with an interest in the use and management of the resources of the Rio Hardy-Colorado River region. As restoration of the Delta ecosystem progresses, this group and others may take on additional stewardship activities best conducted by local communities, such as monitoring habitats.202 3. NGOs and International Advocacy People from all over the world-the community of interest-would like to see Delta ecosystems restored and have a role to play in Delta conservation as well. Absent legal action, public resources are not likely to be dedicated to Delta restoration unless a large and vocal constituency insists that it be made a conservation priority. Institutions presently controlling use of Colorado River water have historically protected the interests of water consumers, a dynamic not likely to change without significant pressure from people who want a healthy Colorado River delta ecosystem. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969203 obligates U.s. agencies to consider all interests as they make resource management decisions in the lower Colorado basin, but to date the BOR has not considered the full range of stakeholders. In Mexico, no legal mandate requires CNA to consider environmental interests. Given that Mexico and the United States have historically been slow to advance Delta conservation, NGOs have an important role to play in assuring that alternatives to consumptive water use are considered. Public interest groups on both sides of the border have worked to coordinate their response to Delta threats. Groups from both countries have worked together to establish the Delta as a conservation priority, conduct research. educate, forge coalitions, encourage dialogue, and address the needs of people who live near the Delta and depend on its resources.204 A smaIl portion of these activities has been supported by U.S. agency dollars, but the majority has been funded by the philanthropy of foundations and individuals. NGO advocacy efforts are increasing as NGOs accumulate a growing understanding and appreciation of Delta ecosystems as well as the E: mounting list of evidence that u.s. government agencies are not W establishing Delta conservation and restoration as a priority. A number of W NGOs and individuals concerned about the Delta have formed an informal r. caucus20S to 00 · facilitate recognition of currently unheard voices for' conservation; · halt degradation and restore ecological and sustainable social conditions; · identify alternative water sources; · seek specific water allocation for Delta conservation; · demand that U.s. water managers consider the effects of U.S. actions on Mexican Delta resources; · monitor species dependent on flows; · increase scientific understanding of conservation needs including an inventory of Delta resources and collection of information relevant to adaptive conservation management; · stop toxic threats; · relate economic health to ecosystem health; · enhance local cultures; and · recognize the importance of recreation and fisheries. The significance of this caucus cannot be overstated; together the member organizations represent Delta residents, more than a dozen scientific organizations, and hundreds of thousands of voters. If this group coordinates its activities, it has the potential to become a formidable voice in the politics of Delta conservation. 200. See xenerally Elena Chavarria, Public Involvement in the Management and Restoration of the Colorado River Delta (unpubllshed tl'W\uscript, on file with author), 201. See Nijhuis, supra note 42, at 1. For more information, contact the Ecological Association Eor the Users of the Hardy..colorado River via Jose Luis Blanco Argi! <j!b1anco@c:ampus.gym.itesm.mx>. 202. See DoPPELTET AL., supra note 186, at 66-67. 203. 42 V.S.C. S 4321-4370 (1994). 204. See supra note 52. See also PadIic Institute, Workshop Proceedinxs, Water Issues in the Colorado River Basin Border Rexion (Nov. 18-19, 1999) (visited Sept. 8, 2000) <http://www.pacinst.org/coloradopro.pdf>. 205. See supra note 52. For more information on this informal caucus, contact the author at Environmental Defense Oe.tUli.fer_pitt@environmentaldefense.org).