Together, we can set global example of environmental sustainability

BEST’s Blueprint on sustainable development aims to outline what it means to be a sustainable community and what it will take to get there. 

In recent months the Bermuda Sun has published the text of the Blueprint, section by section. Today’s column concludes the series.

We are grateful to Bermuda Sun for publishing the full text of of our Blueprint, section by section. We are also grateful to the companies that helped with sponsorship for the series, in particular Gosling’s Ltd. and Gorham’s Ltd. Much appreciation to the individuals and organizations who read the Blueprint and gave constructive feedback. 

Whether we as a state focus on Tourism, International Business, a third as yet untapped economic pillar or a combination of all three, we will need to integrate deep concern and vigilance for possible social and environmental risks and fallout. Whether we are parents or teachers, labourers or managers, adults or youth, black or white, local or foreign, all residents of this unusually beautiful Island have a role to play in promoting improvement and retarding the deterioration of our social, economic and physical environments.

We believe that awareness is growing in all sectors of the community of the importance of protecting the health of Bermuda’s physical environment. As an example, the latest Throne speech is the first in a decade or so that has made a strong affirmation for Bermuda’s physical environment. That’s a great example for us to follow. Let’s make sustainability our collective aspiration.

Conclusions

The issues currently facing Bermuda are broad and the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) recognises that this Blueprint is not an exhaustive prescription nor a one-step solution.  We do, however, look forward to constructive feedback and discussion on the content of this document and, ultimately, to the positive action that will move us toward a sustainable Bermuda. 

As part of this process, we look forward to the opportunity to work with all Bermudians, as well as Bermuda’s political, business and community leaders, to preserve and enhance the quality of life for all.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), present decisions worldwide tend to weight the economic environment too heavily while not giving enough consideration to the physical environment.

This would certainly appear to be true for many decisions in Bermuda.  Change is needed to address this imbalance. Sustainable economic prosperity is inextricably linked to the careful consideration and incorporation of both environmental and social factors into every seemingly economic decision. The high level of interconnectivity between the physical environment, economy and society requires extensive cross-ministerial collaboration when formulating, implementing and enforcing solutions.

It is the ability and the will to grasp the interdependence of the dimensions of sustainability that will avoid costly attempts to choose between what are too often incorrectly viewed as competing priorities (e.g. the “jobs vs. trees” argument).

In reality, economic, social and environmental priorities are almost always reconcilable. Their reconciliation will ultimately result in an elevated quality of life and a healthier Bermuda environment for locals and visitors alike in both the near- and far-term.  

This Blueprint has outlined the complex interactions between the physical, social and economic environments and has highlighted the importance of weighing each of these three equally in making decisions and shaping policy.

BEST applauds the establishment of the Sustainable Development Unit within the Bermuda Government. It is our view that the SDU has yet to be given the central role that is needed to position the concepts and practices of sustainable development in the future policies and plans for our Island.

Developing practical solutions to the broad spectrum of issues facing us will not be easy. BEST firmly believes that they can be attained through comprehensive research, extensive and far-reaching public consultation, cost-benefit analyses and selfless political will. BEST is certain that we can arrive at decisions that maximise the economic and social benefits for Bermudians while minimising adverse environmental impacts. We look forward to a future in which Bermuda will be experienced and seen as a global example of environmental sustainability. n

This document was researched and written by members of the BEST research team led by: Alaina Cubbon, Stuart Hayward, Frances Marshall and Marlie Powell

The BEST Blueprint for Sustainability is available online via our website best.org.bm and at Bermuda’s public and school libraries. Comments, questions:
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