A sociological research on environmental non-government organizations: The case of Van city center

The aim of this study is to investigate environmental non-governmental organizations operating in the Van city center. Industrialization, which started in Western European countries in the 19th century, changed the societies' understanding of social and economic welfare. Environmental risks emerging in developed countries were perceived as problems that could be avoided in the first place, but over time, the depletion of natural resources, the decrease in biodiversity and deforestation revealed risks that could not be prevented. Hence, environmentalism approach was born within this social structure. Environmental non-governmental organizations have the characteristic of developing a driving force and putting pressure against the public institutions of the state. However, these organizations have changed over time, their reformist and moderate environmentalist approach has become dominant against environmental destruction. Interview forms were prepared according to semi-structured interview technique of qualitative research method. reached. A total of 20 interviews were conducted with five women from two foundations and thirteen associations who accepted the interview. Data analysis resulted in categories as the emergence of the characteristics of volunteering, professionalism, conflict and lobbying of the non-governmental organizations coincides with the typology introduced in the environmentalism approach. Environmental non-governmental organizations in Van are considered as moderate, non-conflict, environmentalists who produce projects against environmental disasters..