The BEN doctrine

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Category: BEN

The Ballarat Environment Network is an umbrella group representing the Landcare and environment groups of the South-west region.

BEN actively works with government agencies, non-government organisations, community groups, councils, industry, schools, Landcare members, landholders, and the general community to achieve improved environmental outcomes.

Through strong partnerships with these groups, we believe we can improve the system. We understand the pressing need to achieve sustainable use of our precious resources, whether they be minerals, forests, grasslands, aquatic systems, agriculture, silviculture or aquaculture. Much can be achieved through improved policies, structures, designs and work practices.

We understand the inter-relationship between a healthy environment, social and economic values, and the need for a healthy and robust society to balance these outcomes.

BEN has focused much of its attention in recent years on biodiversity management: conserving, enhancing and restoring remnant vegetation and wildlife habitat. We believe that much environmental damage comes through poor knowledge, lack of awareness and inappropriate work practices, rather than through wanton destruction. We seek productive partnerships with other community groups to improve policies, procedures, and appreciation of biodiversity values. BEN has a strong focus on community education and this is reflected through the promotion of biodiversity conferences and other events. Biodiversity requirements are poorly understood by all sectors of our society.

Through the BEN Biodiversity Reserves network and the actions of our biodiversity crew, we attempt to demonstrate integrated natural resource management, promote increased community education and awareness, and highlight the resulting community partnerships and ownership that can be achieved. As our motto states, we are all Custodians of Biodiversity.

BEN is apolitical, in the sense that it will not endorse a political party or candidate. We will work with federal, state and local governments, sitting members and opposing candidates without favour. We will do what we can to achieve improved environmental policies and outcomes.

We will take a stand on environmental issues of local or regional importance where there is endorsement by the Executive and overwhelming support from the BEN member groups. We will provide support to member groups to help achieve environmental outcomes. We will always attempt to focus on the big picture: i.e. where the greatest environmental gains can be achieved.

We may seek commercial sponsorship of environmental events, activities and sites. We will not allow any financial support, nor the nature of any partnership, to compromise our commitment to the environment, or to influence our stance on any issue.

We will listen to criticism and attempt to improve our professionalism and approach. We believe that our openness and commitment to strong, collaborative partnerships is conducive to an open-minded approach from others.

Through the Ballarat Environment Awards we honour the spirit of individuals and groups, whose passion and dedication to improving the environment and our community offers inspiration to others.