When looking forward to the future of Bermuda, it is important to understand that social, environmental and economic factors all come into play.

Balancing these pillars is important if we want to achieve and sustain success; having such a holistic approach is the very core of sustainable development.

At this moment, we do not know every decision and situation which we will have to face in the future, and it is impossible to make every decision today that we will ever need to make.

What we can do is identify unsustainable trends as they arise and together contribute to make choices based on core principles that put Bermuda on a more sustainable path.

With this perspective in mind, a Sustainable Development Strategy and Implementation Plan (SD Plan) for Bermuda was produced in 2008.

To ensure the greatest future for all Bermudians, and those to come, this plan was formed from extensive public and private agency consultation and input, and is both representative of and a social contract with the residents of Bermuda.

The SD Plan elaborates on five key themes. In each theme, issues are presented, background information is offered, objectives established and sustainable actions articulated for implementation.

Many initiatives stem from each theme that have been or continue to be implemented.

Theme one, “Sustaining Our Communities”, examines affordable housing, protecting Bermuda’s vulnerable citizens and meeting our healthcare challenges. Examples of actions taken to address these concerns include the Move More Bermuda campaign that encourages a more physically active society, strategies for seniors and ageing, and a review of the Charities Act.

Theme two, “Living Within Our Limits”, considers managing population growth, waste management and traffic issues.

Accomplished actions include the construction of a Material Recovery Facility, completing population projections and the establishment of an energy department within the government.

Theme three, “Protection and Enhancement of Our Environment and Natural Resources”, takes into account the balancing act of the preservation of open spaces and land development amid growing and conflicting demands.

Actions accomplished consist of the production of a “Tourism Plan”, efforts towards a “Land Title Registry”, the revision of the Bermuda Plan and continued implementation of the “Biodiversity Action Plan”.

Theme four, “Building and Maintaining an Inclusive and Strong Economy”, considered diversifying and strengthening the economy.

Measures taken to address this theme include the establishment of the North Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone, strengthening workforce development and the development of the National Training Plan, and the continuing dialogue with reputable international businesses about Bermuda’s status as a quality destination.

Theme five emphasises “Transforming Governance and The Public Sector” by looking at the responsibilities of the civil service and delivery of sustainable development.

The execution of this aim resulted in the creation of the Sustainable Development Department, the Office of Project Management and Procurement and the implementation of Public Access to Information. With all of these completed and continually unfolding initiatives, Bermuda has made substantial progress along the journey of sustainability.

Progress is evident. Out of the 134 actions that remain relevant, more than 80 per cent of them have been completed or remain in progress because of their complex nature.

In facilitating the delivery of these actions, many ministries have been consulted to confirm their commitments to these various tasks.

Ultimately, it is important to know that there are many civil servants working to ensure a sustainable future for all. Altogether, this plan is guiding Bermuda along a path to a better quality of life.

As citizens, key participants who are actively impacting and are impacted by the outcomes of this plan, it is important to know where we are now in fulfilling this vision.

As circumstances change, we must sustainably adapt and give consideration not only to our needs today, but also to the needs of tomorrow’s generations so that we can avoid setbacks in our society’s journey towards sustainability.

• Cara S Philip is a summer student with the Sustainable Development Department within the Cabinet Office. She is entering her fourth and final year at Oral Roberts University, majoring in global environmental sustainability, with a minor in English literature. More information on this and other Sustainable Development initiatives can be found in the SD Annual Report 2013. You can also visit www.sdbermuda.bm, like the department’s Facebook page, “Sustain Bermuda”, or e-mail sdd@gov.bm