Development must be balanced, says new National Trust leader
The new executive director of the Bermuda National Trust has called for a slowdown in land development proposals.
Karen Border said last week that she recognised that land development proposals were a way of stimulate the economy after the Covid-19 pandemic had brought the economy to a halt.
But the new head of the Island’s largest conservation charity added that, while she understood its value: “There must be a sustainable balance.”
Ms Border said: “We’re at the point now where there is so little open space left in Bermuda that we really can’t afford to sacrifice any more of that open space to development.”
She added: “I’m particularly concerned about the continuing pressure to build on the coastline despite the risks from sea level rise and increased hurricane activity due to climate change.
“Once you allow building right on the coastline the next thing you know you get is an application for building an ugly seawall or a retaining wall to protect that coastal development.