Researchers advocate for disbanding “zombie” environmental organizations

An international collaboration led by Utrecht University is calling for the closure of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), asserting that the organization has fulfilled its purpose and now operates as a "zombie" institution. The authors emphasize that the disbandment of the IWC could serve as a catalyst for rethinking the role of other outdated international environmental organizations.

The proposal is outlined in a recent article published in Nature, co-authored by Peter Bridgewater and Rakhyun E. Kim from Utrecht University’s Copernicus Institute Sustainable Development at Utrecht University, alongside Robert Blasiak from the Stockholm Resilience Centre and Nikolas Sellheim from Sellheim Environmental. 

The authors argue that while the IWC was once crucial in curbing commercial whaling, it has since become redundant, consuming resources without producing significant conservation results. "The IWC is a prime example of a ‘zombie’ institution—one that continues to operate despite having outlived its original purpose," says Kim. 

The article suggests that responsibilities currently held by the IWC could be transferred to broader and more active frameworks, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, which is better equipped to address modern conservation challenges like climate change, pollution, and habitat loss.

Looking beyond the IWC

Moreover, Kim and his colleagues argue that this strategy should extend beyond the IWC. They advocate for a comprehensive review of international environmental agreements and organizations, aiming to consolidate efforts under fewer, more efficient bodies that can better tackle current global challenges. "We believe that closing the IWC could set an important precedent for the international community, encouraging the reassessment of other global organizations that are no longer effective."

This proposal is expected to be a significant topic at September’s UN Summit of the Future, where leaders will explore ways to optimize international governance for a sustainable future.