The new year is ringing in the changes in the forces behind sustainable development on the Island.

Two key positions — one in Government, the other in environmental NGO Greenrock, have gained new appointments.

Government yesterday announced Charles Brown as the new Director of Sustainable Development, while Greenrock has appointed Vice President Andrew Vaucrosson to its top job with the departure of Erin Moran.

Mr. Brown takes the helm of Government's Sustainable Development initiative and will be responsible for steering the Sustainable Development Strategy and Implementation Plan through Cabinet and into society.

The Strategy is currently being finalised following public consultation.

It covers everything from alternative energy to tourism, health, education and employment, aiming to find common ground in ecological, economic and community development.

Mr. Brown takes over from Erica Smith, who resigned in July to become executive director of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme in Bermuda. He took up his post from Acting Director Kimberley McKeown on January 2.

The civil servant joined Government in 1995 as an Assistant Management Services' Officer. He was promoted to Management Services' Officer in 2002 and was seconded to the Cabinet Office's Central Policy Unit in 2006. Mr. Brown has also served as Acting Director of the National Drug Commission.

Sustainable development charity Greenrock yesterday announced a new President and Vice President.

Mr. Vaucrosson takes up the mantle of 'Changing the Mindset' after founder Ms Moran stepped down to pursue overseas training in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Mark Booth will take over as Vice President.

Ms Moran said: "Andrew and I have been working closely for over two years and Mr. Vaucrosson has been the driving force in Greenrock's change of focus, and has offered his skills in marketing and business to make Greenrock a tightly-run charity.

He solicited several strong candidates to the management committee as well as exceptional advisors, both local and overseas.

"Mark Booth has recently returned to Bermuda with his wife and family, and understands the challenges that Bermuda faces if it doesn't change its mindset."

Ms Moran founded Greenrock in 2003 out of a desire to raise the community's environmental awareness. The campaign group aims to "build consensus and vision for Bermuda's sustainable future".

As well as community projects and music festivals staged to raise awareness, Greenrock's website encourages people to make better sustainable lifestyle choices through tips on saving energy, green technologies and preserving natural resources.

The organisation also sells reusable grocery bags — BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag), available from Pulp and Circumstance, Bermuda Bookstore, and Coffeeworks.

Ms Moran said: "I leave Greenrock in good hands with good people. I've seen this organisation grow from an idea to a movement.

"Bermuda's sustainable future is a topic that will bring people together, since it affects all of us.

"I have faith in those who love this Island that they will do their utmost to ensure that it is preserved for those future generations, and that the unique beauty of this Island is not swallowed up in its own greed and consumption."