Government has promised up to $100,000 per year for the Ministry of the Environment to grant to individuals and organisations with projects aiming to help protect and preserve the environment.

The new initiative will see Government teaming up with the private sector to safeguard the Island's beauty for the future.

"Bermuda would be a totally different place were it not for the measures put in place by the Government in partnership with the private sector ... It can't purely be done from Government with a legislative approach," said Environment Minister Dennis Lister at a press conference on Tuesday.

"It is not by happenstance that we are the envy of the world for our enlightened use of legislation and other measures that preserve open space, marsh and park lands for the enjoyment of our visitors and local populations. ...

"In order to effectively conserve the natural beauty that many of us take for granted, it is critical that we all take individual and collective responsibility for our actions and commit ourselves to the preservation of our natural and physical environment."

Mr. Lister said many ideas for environmental protection never get off the ground due to a lack of financial support. It was for this reason that Government pledged up to $100,000 per year to support environmental action projects.

"In essence, this translates into grants of up to $10,000 each for approved projects, with a total of $50,000 being awarded twice annually," said the Minister.

Money would be awarded on a case-by-case basis, with $10,000 fixed as a guideline rather than a limit. Each case would be judged by a panel with representatives from each department within the Ministry.

"Flexibility in the consideration of grant applications is clearly desirable and novel applications are encouraged," said Mr. Lister. "We want to make it clear that virtually any project that serves the community and promotes environmentally sensitive behaviours will be given thorough and careful consideration.

"The Ministry will be particularly interested in proposals that address issues such as: habitat restoration, public awareness, environmental education, community revitalisation, and community gardens. Even feasibility studies aimed at environmentally friendly practices would fit.

"A wide variety of clients are eligible to apply; indeed anyone with a great idea and a plan for its execution is encouraged to contact the Ministry and make a proposal."

In fact, Mr. Lister said one group has already jumped the gun on the initiative. Hearing about the scheme during Mr. Lister's budget presentation, the group has already applied with their idea.

"In general we expect applicants to fall into the following categories and are interested in receiving applications from: community groups, individuals and businesses, schools and youth groups, and non-governmental organisations."

@EDITRULE:

Applications are available through the Ministry of Environment headquarters, and are designed as a guide for applicants who may not be familiar with the process of grant writing. Additional advice is also available upon request. The Ministry hopes to have all the applications in by the end of the month.