The uniqueness and beauty of Bermuda can only be saved through public awareness of environmental problems, according to a new State of the Environment Report.

Bermuda's first ever State of the Environment Report ? tabled in the House of Assembly on Friday ? found that Bermuda's tiny land mass and extensive coastlines contributed to its unique beauty but also to its fragility.

The 229-page Report said global environmental problems like global warming and corresponding sea-level increases would threaten all life on the Island.

"Bermuda's subtropical, mild climate has been described as one of its chief assets," it said.

"However, with elevations not exceeding 260 feet, any significant rise in sea-levels in the North Atlantic Ocean would threaten many parts of Bermuda."

Drought was a problem and water supplies needed to be carefully managed, it said, while coral reefs were at "high risk".

Bermuda was home to many plants and animals found only in Bermuda. However, these species were under increased pressure because of the gathering momentum of Island-wide development, it said.

Research on renewable energy sources here had begun, it said, but Bermuda's economic success had taken its toll on the environment.

"Increasing development pressure on the Island's limited land resources has resulted in a significant increase in the amount of land used for residential development and a concomitant decrease in the amount of open space," it said.

Bermuda's historic buildings and forts could be further protected and there has been a significant loss in the amount of agricultural land, it said.

There was little protection against the damaging effects of certain plant species on the land, the Report said.

And it said more was needed to protect inshore waters and coastal areas.

"The increase in the number of vehicles on Bermuda's roads and traffic congestion are also major concerns," it said.

"Most of the Island's waste disposal and recycling facilities are reaching full capacity."

If Bermuda chose to accommodate larger cruise ships, it may impact the environment, it said, through major improvements and enhancements to the Island's ports and channels.

Sewage disposal was not likely to change from current methods, it said ? through ocean outflows, cesspits, septic tanks and boreholes.

"Noise pollution is likely to become more of a concern and an issue which needs to be addressed," it said.

In other countries, State of the Environment Reports had become increasingly more common since 1992, Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield said.

"The production of Bermuda's first State of the Environment Report heralds an important milestone in the collection and dissemination of environmental information about the Island," Ms Butterfield said in the House of Assembly on Friday. "Indeed, much of the information contained in this Report has already been used as background material in the preparation of Bermuda's Sustainable Development Strategy and Implementation Plan."

The Report asked questions about air and water cleanliness, the health of Bermuda's fish stocks and marine ecosystems and the amount of land was cultivated and how much was being developed.

"Mr. Speaker, the Report examines Bermuda's natural resources including its climate, geology, water, energy supplies, and natural habitats," Ms Butterfield said. "It describes the ways in which we manage these resources and discusses land use planning, waste management and transportation issues.

"It also provides a set of key environmental indicators to help monitor changes and detect problems which should be addressed."

She said the Report was coordinated by the Department of Planning with outside contributions from a number of authors ? both within and outside of Government.

Copies of the Report are on sale at Planning to the public, one free copy will be given to all public and private schools, the Bermuda College, and the Bermuda Public Library, while an Executive Summary of the report will be posted on the Bermuda Government's web-site, she said.