BEN Activities

BEN brings out a weekly electronic newsletter, named BEN Newsletter and its Bangla version, পরিবেশ সংবাদ. Containing information and analysis of the current environmental situation, it has become a major instrument for mobilization. It is freely available at listserv.cc.emory.edu.

BEN has formed expert panels to study issues continuously. These include panels on: (i) Rivers, (ii) Arsenic, (iii) Surface water pollution, (iv) Energy, (v) Climate change, (vi) Adibashis, (vii) Air pollution & urbanization, (viii) Jute, (ix) Forests & biodiversity, (x) Waste, and (xi) Economics & governance. These work closely with BAPA’s Program Committees.

Active chapters exist in Australia, Japan, Germany, and various US regions (Tri-state, Mid-Atlantic, Georgia). Chapters are forming in Great Britain, Russia, South Korea, New Zealand, and other US states.

BEN undertakes projects to demonstrate replicable solutions. For example, the 2001 Solid Waste Recovery and Reuse Project converted organic household waste into fertilizer using community labor in Bhashan Tek slum and Gazipur Open University campus.

BEN raises international awareness about the climate threat to Bangladesh. Notable was the “Global Action Day” (Sept 18, 2009), featuring rallies in New York, Canberra, Sydney, and Kitakyushu, and memorandums to the UN Secretary General.

BEN actively campaigns against upstream water diversion (Farakka, Gajoldoba) and India’s River Linking Project, which violates the 1997 UN Convention. Rallies have been held at the UN, and memorandums sent to UN and Indian authorities.

BEN works to educate Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) about environmental problems, particularly climate change, encouraging them to campaign in their host countries.

Chapters organize major conferences. BEN-Japan held the ICEAB in 2010 (Kitakyushu), now an annual event (view site). BEN-Germany held the ICCEB in 2011 (Bonn), which also became a regular event.

The Japan chapter publishes a peer-reviewed bi-annual journal, the International Journal of Environment (IJE). Visit Journal Website.

BEN offers internships for second-generation NRBs to visit Bangladesh and work with pro-environment organizations. BEN also encourages the formation of Youth Forums, such as the active group in Boston.

BEN offers limited fellowships to support individuals dedicating significant time to environmental activism, while maintaining the philosophy that activism should primarily be a voluntary effort.