BANANA - Definition and Overview

BANANA is an acronym "Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything", or sometimes "Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anyone", used to describe the opposition of certain groups to some types of development.

The opponents are often environmentalists, in which case the argument is generally that what is being planned is not needed (e.g. a planned power plant, opposition would be that power should be used more wisely, not increased).

Another form of opposition is from people with an attachment to a particular area (though not necessary living there) which is under threat. Much of the opposition to development in rural areas falls in this category; campaigners are not necessarily opposed to all possible development, just that which they feel will corrupt a particular set of locations (such as pristine wilderness).

Compare with the much better known acronym NIMBY, which describes situations where developments "in my backyard" are protested without questioning the overall necessity of the development.

NAMBY is also used to describe the Not in Anyones Back Yard philosophy.