Since the foundation of WEO in 1975, the network has dedicated itself in international nature conservation and  management in relation to human activities. It specifically aims at the Dutch policy. The members are associated with Dutch universities, nature conservation organizations, the Dutch Government and consultancy firms. They give their own personal opinions and strive to contribute in a constructive way to the improvement of the Dutch influences within International Development Co-operation.

Responsibilities of the Workinggroup Ecology and Development

• Organisation of approximately four Workinggroup meetings per year and if needed, extra theme meetings;
• Comments on policy documents, strategy papers, evaluation papers etc.;
• Analyses of the quality of the Dutch Development Co-operation policy;
• Information on ecological subjects for use by for example Dutch Embassies;
• The initiation of questions towards Dutch Parliament;
• Direct contact with politicians, civil servants, project officers of non-profit organisations etc.