Bellona Foundation
Self-Description : Edited September 2008
BELLONA was formed as a non-profit foundation on June 16, 1986. Formally, we are named the Environmental Foundation Bellona, but usually Bellona is sufficient. At the end of the 1980s we became well known first and foremost through spectacular actions against Norwegian industrial companies with more or less significant cases of environmental contamination on their conscience.
Since then, we have taken on a more international focus, particularly through our work on nuclear contamination in Russia, and we have put a stronger focus on analyses and on the obtaining of facts.
Bellona in Oslo
Bellona’s main office is located in Grünerløkka in central Oslo. A large, white brick house on the shore of the Akers River is “home” to about thirty employees. Represented among these employees is a wide variation of disciplines, from nuclear physicists, to engineers, economists, lawyers, advisors and journalists ― a multifaceted consortium of individuals that enables us to address the challenges we face from different angles.
Bellona Europa
Bellona Europa seeks to influence the making of EU legislation through alliances with other NGOs, industry, academics and progressive politicians, particularly members of the European Parliament.
Bellona USA
Since 1996, Bellona USA has primarily worked with challenges related to decommissioned submarines and the storage of radioactive waste in Russia. Keeping the United States involved in our work in Russia has strengthened nuclear-safety efforts and the concern for civil society in Russia.
The Nikitin case deepened our reputation as a principled and tireless champion for the environment in Russia. The recent clampdowns on NGOs in Russia should be a wakeup call for America.
Bellona in Murmansk
The history of Bellona’s activities in the Murmansk region in Russia’s north dates back nearly two decades ago. In 1990, a vessel called Genius tried to approach Novaya Zemlya, an Arctic Ocean archipelago that hosted one of the soon-to-be-defunct Soviet Union’s nuclear test ranges. It was detained and sent back to Norway.
This, however, was hardly a deterrent to the crew of young Norwegian environmentalists on board: Soon enough they were devoting their efforts to studying in detail the activities of the various nuclear sites in the northwestern territory of the neighbouring country.