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The following is an open letter to the Minister of the Environment Neletha Butterfield on the proposed Southlands development. For reasons of space it's been heavily edited.

Dear Sir,

The Bermuda Audubon Society is opposed to the current rapid development of green space for suburban use without due consideration to the impact on our quality of life in Bermuda.

Given the extremely small land area of Bermuda and its high population density, we believe that the era of using conservation areas for new development is over.

We take the view that present sites of undeveloped green space be protected for our benefit and enjoyment and to support the many land uses, organisms and ecosystems that are truly essential to the quality of our health and wellbeing.

Government needs to ensure sustainable development principles guide development so that wildlife, habitats and greenbelt are protected, regeneration is encouraged and town centres and attractions remain vibrant. We must not allow economics to be the only driver of how we develop.

Environmental sustainability and quality of life must be given equal consideration. Government must focus increased effort and resources to protect the best and restore the rest of our precious and few remaining open spaces if we are truly committed to the future of a vibrant Bermuda.

Local planning authorities should adopt policies that give species and habitats a fighting chance of adapting to climate change. This means promoting large areas of green space, which can allow the movement of wildlife in response to changes in future climate.

To this end the Bermuda Audubon Society is opposed to the granting of a SDO that would lead to the development of much of our remaining green spaces.

We implore the Government of Bermuda to respect and uphold their promise to the Environmental Charter, the Sustainable Development Plan for Bermuda, and the planning process and by doing so halt this and other future grand scale developments on green space and restore brown spaces that exist today throughout the island.

Fiona Doe

Vice President, The Bermuda Audubon Society[[In-content Ad]]

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