BEN Black Environment Network Judy Ling Wong FRSA. OBE. Hon FCIWEM Director UK

BEN Black Environment Network is recognised nationally and internationally as the pioneer organisation working for Ethnic Environmental Participation

BEN Mission Statement Working for Ethnic Environmental Participation In the Built and Natural Environment

BEN What we wish to do and what we can achieve depends on How we see ourselves against the enormous pressure of How others see us

BEN Social exclusion exists within a framework of exclusion

BEN Participation depends on:  Relationship of people to people  Relationship of people to environment

BEN The relationship of people to people  Tension between the wish to integrate and the wish to be secure within autonomous sub-communities  History of rejection and neglect  Ongoing reality of racism  Identification with issues of immigration and asylum  Social cohesion and the concept of unity in diversity

BEN The relationship of people to environment  Symbolism of the elements of the environment in the light of experience  The socio-cultural meaning of elements of the environment  Recognition of presence and expression of presence  Marking an environment with memory

BEN Enabling access:  Organisational culture change/investment in staff development  Investment of human resources in local relationship building with new audiences beginning with outreach  Power sharing in decision making  Investment of resources in the development of appropriate programmes of activities

BEN The power of human processes underpinning access We all come to love what we enjoy We take care of what we love

BEN