New Minister of the Environment Walter Roban hopes to push the environmental agenda putting a focus on sustainability.

"We need to change, not just our behaviour, but have a greener approach for the future development of the country," Mr. Roban said.

"It's not just about the environment, the trees, the plants the grass. It's about a behaviour change for everyone.

"It's not just about environmental sustainability. It's more than that. It's cultural sustainability as well. Economic sustainability.

"I want to see that behaviour change by the Government, and by the Country as a whole."

The former Health Minister, who was moved to the Environment post by new Premier Paula Cox, said he was still in the process of learning the new position, but said there were already some areas he was looking to tackle, including making it easier to adopt renewable energy.

"One of our tasks is to minimise the difficulty in having the existing infrastructure as well as future developments absorbing green and sustainable technology," he said.

"I want it to be normal for us, as we are developing, to install the new technology.

"The reality is many other jurisdictions similar to us in the south made that step decades ago. There's no reason Bermuda can't do it as well."

He also said that he was looking to create a national agriculture policy to help support the Island's farmers and make Bermuda more independent of food imports.

"We're going to reach out to the farmers, to the people who are interested in doing interesting and exciting things aside from the traditional farming thing," he said.

"Traditional farming here can only go so far, but globally there are other methods that might be applicable to Bermuda.

"I intend to spend a lot of time talking to the people to find out how we can help, what we can do to make Bermuda more independent in its food product, and how can we make more healthy food in a sustainable way."

While many in the environmental community have complained at the number of Special Development Orders (SDO) that have appeared in recent years, Mr. Roban said they have been made on matters of national importance.

"Hotel development has been a priority for this Government for quite some time," he said. "The regeneration of our tourism infrastructure is a national priority, so SDOs, where applicable, have been used there.

"Tourism development is a priority for the Country, so we are listening to all of our tourism partners about what they want to do, and we will make sure the public interest will be protected.

"But it's not about throwing out the baby with the bathwater. We have to continue to be sustainable.

"We might think something is great, but have to consider if it's something that will sustain the Country long-term."

Asked about a rumoured SDO for the Tucker's Point Resort, he said he was unaware of any proposals but added: "I'm sure at some point, if there is one that is going to be done, it will be in the public domain. I have no interest in keeping anything secret."

He said he had not yet had the opportunity to meet with local environmental non-Government organisations like the National Trust and BEST, but he said he was looking forward to meeting and working with them to promote green issues, particularly to the Island's youth.

"It's a national priority," he said. "Part of the behavioural change we need comes from education.

"I'm looking forward to meeting with them. I know they have a lot to say, and I wish to hear them and share ideas with them, and if there are ways we can work towards a similar purpose, I am happy to consider them."