Background
The Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), a non-profit and non-governmental organization of lawyers was set up in 1992 with the objective of establishing a sound environment and ecological order for all using law as tool. The formation of BELA was indeed a response to the global call for movement to protect and conserve natural environment and ecology that has strong justification in a rural agronomy based country like Bangladesh.
With the ever deteriorating environmental state of the country at the backdrop, Dr. Mohiuddin Farooque , the founder of BELA decided to pursue the cause of environmental justice through a motivated local advocacy group. The initial idea was to monitor and pursue implementation and observance of the existing laws on natural resource and environment management. As an advocacy group of young lawyers, BELA since then has been working out techniques and strategies to accord protection to environmental resources and thus safeguard the rights of the millions who depend on such resources.
Since inception, the organization has adopted various means to create awareness amongst major actors to activate the great bulk of environmental legislation. BELA has always emphasized on and advocated for wider participation in law making and policy planning to bring in changes in the isolated trend of law and policy framing. The efforts of BELA through public interest litigation have truly sensitized the concept of ‘environmental justice’ in the country that now has special courts to deal with environmental offences. To institutionalize its efforts, BELA ensures wider participation from both the government and non-governmental sector that has given it wide credibility and acceptance amongst all concerned.
Objectives & Strategies
The broad objective of BELA is to promote environmental justice and contribute towards the development of a sound environmental jurisprudence.
The specific objectives of the organization include:
- Undertake studies on and research into the local, national and international regulatory regime on environment
- Undertake legislative advocacy
- Seek judicial or administrative relief to ensure implementation of existing environmental laws
- Resolve environmental disputes through court cases, alternative dispute resolution, mediation and other means
- Create greater awareness about environmental laws and issues
- Initiate participatory processes to ensure environmental good governance
- Provide legal assistance and support endeavours for protection of the environment and associated human rights
- Develop networks with local, national and international groups/bodies/agencies working on environment
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Develop and core group of environmental activists