example of environmental success.

And many nations have shown interest in programmes being carried out as part of Bermuda's approach to environmental problem solving.

Both Canada and the Bahamas have approached Environment Minister the Hon.

Gerald Simons seeking assistance for projects in their own countries.

Sen. Simons addressed the United Nations Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island States in Barbados.

The Minister gave an outline of Bermuda's success in moving from an agrarian society to a sophisticated tourist and international business-based economy.

Highlighted in his talk were the need for strict regulations to ensure the sustainability of Bermuda's business and environment, inter-island efforts to maintain marine resources and monitoring global change within the context of small islands.

Speaking of tourism, Mr. Simons said: "Many other islands in the region have had parallel experiences and in this respect it has become obvious that, as isolated as we are, we cannot stand alone.

"The benefits from the exchange of ideas and experiences is invaluable and there can really be no substitute for cooperation, certainly at the regional level and also at the international level.'' Sen. Simons pointed out that cooperation between the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands and the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo have made possible the reestablishment of flamingo colonies.

In fact the delegate from the Bahamas was so impressed with the work of BAMZ that he has requested Bermudian help with an endangered species of rodent.

The Canadian delegate showed an interest in the work of the Bermuda Biological Station for Research in reference to global warming experiments.

But Mr. Simons said: "It was not just a one way thing because we have been discussing fisheries matters with the Canadians and other countries.

A considerable interest was shown in Sen. Simons' address by many delegates from more than 100 nations represented at the conference. One remarked it was refreshing to hear a positive account of island development.

"But there are a number of things we can get out of these conferences as well as the official findings of the conference.

"There is also the fact that information can be gained about how to solve problems at home and there is an exhibition here about recycling of waste which I will be attending.

"But the most important contacts are the informal ones made by politicians and technical officers where people can learn from the experience of others.''