Abstract:
At a time, in the early 1980s, when Peru is wracked by leftist terrorism and hampered by weak central government, the Foundation for the Protection of the Environment (FPCN), founded by a group of Peru's leading biologists, becomes a vehicle through which international environmental organizations act to protect the diverse and unspoiled world of Peruvian Amazonia. FPCN convinces a government troubled by more immediate threats that this non-governmental organization should effectively take on the management of many of the country's more than 40 protected areas. But when a new Peruvian government, led by President Alberto Fujimori, makes clear that it wants to take back such traditional public roles, FPCN must find a new role for itself. Its task is complicated by a lack of overhead funds from its donors which has led to a substantial deficit. Its leadership examines its board structure and membership as part of the strategic planning which it undertakes.
Learning Objective:
This case is designed to be used in a non-profit organization management course to support a discussion of the best course of action FPCN should take in improving upon its situation. It can also be used to analyze problems commonly faced by nonprofit organizations such as losing key members to outside opportunities and dealing with uneven political and financial support from the government and donors at changing times.
