Established in 1992 following the successful "The Arts for Nature" exhibition organized by the then Bahá'í Women's Committee (now Bahá'í Office for the Advancement of Women), the Bahá'í Office of Environment (BOE) promotes a vision of sustainable development which combines economic, ecological and spiritual principles. The protection of the environment is viewed in the broadest possible sense, as Bahá'ís believe that recognition of the oneness of mankind is a fundamental component of the environmental movement. Read the Bahá'í Statement on Nature for a complete perspective:
http://www.bcca.org/ief/bicnat.htm
The Bahá'í Office of Environment's goals are to work closely with various likeminded organisations with a view to sharing information and collaborating on various projects to increase awareness and understanding of the problems underlying the environmental and ecological crisis. For a perspective on the Bahá'ís' involvement with UN agencies see:
http://www.bic-un.bahai.org/pdf/00-0606.pdf
Events that have been organized include exhibitions, talks and children's activities for various educational establishments and community-based organisations. Members of the Bahá'í community have also taken part in regular coastal and nature reserve clean-ups and have helped in activities to mark Earth Day, World Environment Day and Clean and Green Week.
Environment activities across interfaith lines have also been initiated, with talks on different religions' perspectives of the environment and an interfaith commemoration of Earth Day.
Representatives of the Office have attended regional and international conferences on the environment, including the Global NGO Conference on Environment and Development in Paris in 1991, the Earth Summit in 1992, and regional workshops leading up to the Summit.
Further information about Bahá'í initiatives in environmental matters can be found at:
While the Office does not organize regular activities, there are many organizations in that can provide specific information about nature activities and events, as well as environmental information for educational and other research projects:
And for a regional perspective, go to:
"We cannot segregate the human heart from the environment outside us and say that once one of these is reformed everything will be improved. Man is organic with the world. His inner life moulds the environment and is itself also deeply affected by it. The one acts upon the other and every abiding change in the life of man is the result of these mutual reactions."
We need a change of heart, a reframing of all our conceptions and a new orientation of our activities. The inward life of man as well as his outward environment have to be reshaped if human salvation is to be secured."
Secretary to Shoghi Effendi
