Draft Blue Plan Consultation Period Extended
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the Draft Blue Prosperity Plan consultation period is extended from November 12 to December 31, 2022, saying that the ”extension will give the public and key stakeholder groups more time to understand and provide feedback on how the Plan will shape the economic and environmental decisions around Bermuda’s marine environment.”
“Thus far, the information collected from the public consultation period has helped refine the Draft Plan to ensure it achieves the social, economic, and environmental impacts that matter to the people of Bermuda,” said Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban.
“As we continue working toward the final Plan, I encourage everyone to read the document and send questions to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources by emailing environment@gov.bm.”
A spokesperson said, “The Draft Blue Prosperity Plan, developed in partnership with the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme [BOPP], has been open for public consultation since September 12. Since then, public engagement sessions have been held in Hamilton, Somerset, and St. George’s, and Ocean Village stakeholder consultations involving six ocean user community groups within Bermuda are ongoing.
“Extending the public consultation period will continue these Ocean Village meetings and allow additional opportunities to engage with stakeholders representing Bermuda’s ocean interests.”
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Director, Drew Pettit, explained, “We plan on using this time to clarify feedback from the last phase of stakeholder consultation. Of particular interest are the high-value fishing grounds mentioned by local fishermen. This information will allow us to identify these areas better and optimise the placement of marine protected areas that support local fisheries and minimises user conflict. We also plan more opportunities for the public to engage and ask questions. Keep your eye on the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme’s Facebook and Instagram feed for more details.”
The spokesperson said, “The public may continue submitting electronic feedback on the Draft Plan through the Bermuda Citizen’s Forum at forum.gov.bm until the end of December. Additionally, and for more information, a handy FAQ page created from initial feedback sessions, the Draft Blue Prosperity Plan, and more background information is available online at bermudaoceanprosperity.org.
“Bermuda’s Blue Prosperity Plan aims to build on the trajectory of sustainable economic development whilst enhancing and maximising precious marine resources. It has two components: the Blue Economy Strategy, a guideline for growing Bermuda’s ocean-related industries and attracting investment opportunities, and the Marine Spatial Plan, a framework for implementing sustainable ocean development, protection, and management.
“For information about the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme, visit www.bermudaoceanprosperity.org.”
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