There are many kinds of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) engaged in working towards the improvement of the social, economic, environmental and political conditions of the country. They include citizens' associations, professional societies, foundations, some universities and research centers, and networks of experts or institutions.

There is a wide spectrum of Environmental NGOs categorizable in terms of their specific fields, levels of operation and the extent to which they work to influence government. There are some groups which lobby for more stringent legislation and work to influence and inform public officials. Other groups specialize in research, training, public education, information dissemination, acquisition and management of protected areas, or convening of stakeholders in environmental conflicts. There are groups involved in urban-based educational programmes while others focus on ‘hands-on’ rural development at the grassroots level.

WWF India was the first NGO in India to promote nature conservation on a nationwide basis at a time when this was regarded as an eccentric elitist whim. Through its Conservation Action Support Programme (CASP), WWF India supports grass-roots level activities taken up by the smaller NGOs.

Since 1984, WWF India has been a part of the Environmental Information System (ENVIS) of the Ministry of Environment & Forests. The Directory of Environmental NGOs in India, now in its 9th edition, is a periodic publication of the NGO database maintained by the ENVIS Centre. This first of its kind, comprehensive information bank takes into account existing NGOs in all the States and Union Territories working towards environmental protection, conservation and awareness. It provides critical information about the groups engaged in the cultivation and nurturing of interest in environmental protection and the conservation of nature & natural resources. The earlier editions of the Directory covered all relevant and useful information catalogued under various appropriate heads including important information like the total strength of permanent as well as part-time staff, number of members and geographical coverage in addition to the general information comprising the Name, Address, Status (registered /non-registered, trust/society/group), Nature (Nonprofit/rural oriented/urban oriented) and the date of Commencement of activities.

The spectrum of ‘Missions’ as provided by the different listed NGOs ranges from