Bermuda's Environment Ministry may have found one of the few positive side-effects of global warming — more tourists for Bermuda.

In a presentation to the Senate, the Junior Minister of Environment Senator Wayne Caines said Bermuda's reefs were faring better than those elsewhere in the world, which could lead to their increased popularity as a tourist attraction.

He said: "Global warming is changing the environment around us and it is this phenomenon which may highlight the significance of Bermuda's reefs in the future as they are presently less damaged by climate change due to the steep Bermuda pedestal.

"If the reefs of our Caribbean neighbours continue to deteriorate, this could bring more tourism dollars to the Island.

"If you think of the coral reefs as a tourist attraction, the relative attraction of Bermuda and its reefs will increase if other reefs around the world are more damaged."

The Ministry has teamed up with a group of international marine researchers to allocate a monetary value to Bermuda's reef system. He added that the reefs were important not only as a tourism attraction but they also protect the Island from storm surges during hurricanes.

The Ministry will be asking households to explain what the reefs mean to them before determining the "Total Economic Value" of Bermuda's reefs.

Giving them a monetary value would also be helpful in the event that a cruise ship ran aground on a reef because the Government could then ask for compensation.

Sen. Caines also said the Ministry of Environment will also be transforming Cooper's Island into an eco-tourism destination, providing opportunities for guided walks, scuba diving, bird watching, kayaking and whale watching.

The nature reserve and former NASA Tracking Station will become the Cooper's Island National Nature Preserve and classed as a National Park, together with nearby Clearwater Beach.

It will cost $7 million and take eight years for the 44 acres of beaches, coastline and woodlands to be turned into a "living museum" but Government said, once up and running, the park could generate revenue of up to $400,000 a year.

The aim is to create a destination where "locals and international visitors can experience, enjoy and benefit from Bermuda's natural environment."