The Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) this morning unveiled its environmental sustainability blueprint, suggesting strategies for improving Bermuda.The group said it intends the blueprint to be a launching pad for discussion and appropriate action on the various environmental, social and economic issues facing the Island.“This document was prompted by requests received from individuals and political parties, asking what we thought should go into the environmental platforms for political leadership,” BEST Chairman Stuart Hayward said.“This is not a BEST manifesto. We believe that any individual or group aspiring to a position of policy leadership in our community ought to have, at minimum, these issues on their mind.”Among the recommendations made in the report are:l The creation of an Environmental Strategic Plan and a Comprehensive Cultural Development Plan,l Strengthening existing resource and land zoning protections,l Tightening of Ministerial discretions regarding Special Development Orders,l Focusing on developing brownfield sites rather than greenfield sites,l Establishing fair and affordable rents in existing units rather than building more homes,l Encouraging public transportation, along with cycling and walking,l Large-scale health and wellness campaign in the Island's schools,l Taking advantage of cultural tourism rather than “copycat schemes,”l And extensive public consultation and Environmental Impact Assessments in the case of major capital projects.Mr Hayward said that copies of the blueprint have already been delivered to Premier Paula Cox, along with OBA leader Craig Cannonier and UBP's Kim Swan.The full blueprint sill also be available to the public at the organisation's webpage and the National Library.Useful website: www.best.org.bm.