Description of the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the Proposed Marine Nomination Properties of the Bonaire and Curaçao Marine Parks (BCMP

This report describes the possible Outstanding Universal Value of the potential World Heritage nomination that combines the Bonaire National Marine Park (BBNMP)) and the Curaçao Marine Park (CC MP ) from the ecological , geological and biodiversity perspective. According to World Heritage natural criteria, these correspond to criteria (vvii)) (aesthetic and spectacular natural phenomena)) , (vviii)) (ggeological and geomorphific processes)) , ( ix ) (ecological and biological processes)) , and ( x ) (biodiversity)) , as defined by the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention (UUNESCO 2017).

Based on expert advice to expand the size of the initial proposed nomination, which only included BNM,, and recent policy action towards reinforced management implementation of the Curaçao Underwater Park , the Curaçao Underwater Park is considered to be a necessary addition to expand the total area for the nomination. This expansion intends to strengthen the Outstanding Universal Values (OOUV) for a successful UNESCO World Heritage bid. We here document the OUV of the proposed nomination by combining the Bonaire National Marine Park and the Curaçao Underwater Park for a single nominatio , known as a serial site with two components,, herein referred to as the Bonaire and Curaçao Marine Parks (BBCMP). This report also highlights the benefits of and opportunities for f urther strengthening the OUV: by 1)) extending the bo undaries of the two MPAs – landward and seaward, and 2) considering additional areas that include wetlands, pelagic areas and deep benthic habitat. Such an expansion would benefit 1)) the geological values by encompassing examples of visible geological hist ory (ccriteria ( viii )); 2) the ecological values by including different habitats forming part of the connectivity continuum (criteria ( ix ); and the biodiversity and conservation values by including a larger number of endemic and threatened species and their key life-cycle stages (ccriteria ( x ) ).. In this report the additional areas are considered as part of the buffer zone,, as local authoriti es need to consider the feasibility of legal protection and management for a larger area.. Many of the values discussed in this report face important threats and have suffered documented declines in recent decades. This report does not address those issues or discuss possible management measures but only focusses on the values present and how these might contribute to potential OUV.