Protection of the Island's mangroves and a White Paper on Energy were among the sustainable development initiatives announced by Government during the Throne Speech.

It pledged the launch of a mangrove conservation and restoration plan, while a series of incentives will encourage citizens to adopt greater energy efficiency.

Outlining the mangrove initiative, Governor Sir Richard Gozney said: "The care and concern for our natural environment should be shared by all.

"Aimed at the most delicate of ecosystems, the Ministry of the Environment and Sports will launch a Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Plan which will protect existing sites and initiate new mangroves to strengthen the marine environment."

Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow along a saline strip along the coast. They form an important coastal protective barrier against the impact of tropical storms and hurricanes.

Bermuda's mangroves are also a rich source of biodiversity and provide an important nursery for small fish.

Plans for the National Nature Preserve at Cooper's Island announced in February last year, already include a mangrove reserve.

Stuart Hayward, chairman of the Bermuda Environmental and Sustainability Taskforce (BEST), said: "We cannot fault the intention of mangrove conservation, but the lack of marine habitat protection in general, and the fragmented marine responsibility, combined with inadequate enforcement mechanisms and resources raises doubts about the significance and potential of a mangrove plan.

"What would be more far-reaching and promising would be a Marine Development Plan that gave regulatory oversight to activities such as dredging and blasting which are damaging to all marine life, including mangroves."

He also remarked on the announcement of a new playground at Somerset Long Bay, which Government stated was to enhance the National Parks System.

Referring to Government's silence on whether Southlands is still to become a national park, My Hayward said: "It would have been refreshing and highly significant to have had an announcement that the Southlands property was being added to the stock of Parklands.

"Such a step would truly enhance the National Parks System."

Mr. Hayward however, welcomed the announcement of a White Paper on Energy in the Throne Speech.

"This is a tremendous step in the right direction," he said, on behalf of BEST.

"We will, however, have to recognise the contradictions of exhorting the principles of energy conservation while at the same time promoting the excessive lifestyles associated with the proposed luxury yacht marina.

"Similarly the excessive size and inefficiency of the Government's own fleet of cars highlights a duplicity that will work against a conservation policy.

"The Government will need to take the lead, and can start with insisting on LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards or better in its own construction projects; a modest and fuel-efficient vehicle fleet; and visible conservation efforts, such as turning off unnecessary lights in Government buildings at night, reducing the levels of air conditioning and heating in its buildings, and boosting the levels of recycling in its offices."

The Throne Speech pledged the Ministry of Energy would submit a White Paper on Energy during this legislative session.

Sir Richard said it would be "coupled with leadership in the development of incentives to encourage Bermudians to assume a lifestyle based upon practical energy conservation habits and to adopt energy efficiency technologies".

Earlier this year Government tabled its Green Paper on Energy, following consultation with the public and local and international energy experts.

It was followed by the Energy Act 2009 in July, which set up an Energy Commission to regulate costs and license the sale of electricity.

The forthcoming White Paper will establish a national energy policy and set out legislation.

A public energy efficiency campaign is also expected to be rolled out, combined with cost-saving incentives for adoption of renewable technologies.

Linda Smith, spokeswoman for electricity company Belco, said: "We advertise energy efficiency all the time through mailers, adverts and on our website.

"In terms of renewables the company has established a small-scale renewables company (PureNERGY a Belco subsidiary) and we did a Solicitation of Interest of large-scale renewables this year, so we are involved on all fronts.

"We were expecting this announcement of a White Paper and await more information with interest."

Government is expected to provide further details on the Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Plan and the Department of Energy initiatives at press conferences this week.