Children will receive lessons in sustainable development in a bid to raise awareness of the Island's need to become more self-sufficient.

Sustainable development is to be added to the school curriculum as part of a Government campaign to get the message into homes and communities across the Island.

Charles Brown, Director of the Sustainable Development Unit, said: "I want children to know what sustainable development is because if they talk about it, their parents will as well."

'A Resource Guide On Sustainable Development Issues for Educators, Teachers and Parents' was produced by an education specialist and will form the basis of lesson-planning.

Mr. Brown described it as a "draft of the educators' kit", which is "a work in progress".

"There is active work ongoing which will facilitate the introduction of the concept of sustainable development to children," he said.

"The educators' kit needs to be fine-tuned and then presented to the leadership of the Ministry. But timing is important."

Mr. Brown said that due to the reforms of the public school system in the wake of the Hopkins Report, he has been "holding off".

"I didn't want to put a new initiative on the table now when they are trying to organise the basic structure and direction," he said. "But once that is sound, we can revisit this subject.

"Regarding how we will embed sustainable development in the curriculum, we will have to have a discussion with the Education Minister. But in order for this vision to unfold, our children are going to have to understand and practice it."

Mr. Brown added: "Education however, doesn't only have to take place through the schools, it can take place in other forms."

One of the focuses of sustainable development is changing people's behaviour when it comes to consumption patterns. Mr. Brown said this could be as simple as using biodegradable items at a picnic rather than plastic knives and forks.

"This is why the children are important," he said. "We've got to get the children sensitised to the benefits of changing our consumption patterns."

Among the objectives of Government's Sustainable Development Implementation Plan is 'Developing a personal sustainability pledge'.

Mr. Brown described this as encouraging everyone in the community to make a personal commitment to the principles of sustainable development and conserving resources.

"For example, I could say I will drive my car three days out of five to work and not drive to the grocery store around the corner," he said.

"Or I will use reusable grocery bags and take my own cup to the cafe rather than using their paper cups. I can also say I will exercise and keep healthcare costs down.

"Or I can say I will study hard and work to take my rightful place in this community."

What is sustainable development? Why is it important and what does it mean to Bermuda?

Charles Brown explains in the Monday Interview, see News.