park updates

The Nature Conservation Network Organization the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) hosted its biannual Board Meeting on Sint Maarten between March 14th to the 17th 2022. DCNA Board meetings are critical for discussing and strategizing on the most effective way to support protected area management organizations in the Dutch Caribbean. The DCNA board meeting is also an important opportunity for each of the Protected Area Management Organizations in the Dutch Caribbean-  the Aruba National Parks Foundation (FPNA), STINAPA Bonaire, CARMABI Curaçao , Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF), Nature Foundation St. Maarten (NFSXM), St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA) – to collaborate, share resources and exchange information and ideas. Working together, each island can learn from the others, maximizing their successes and learning from the more challenging experiences.

DCNA Board meeting including representatives of the DCNA Board, Protected Area Management Organizations in the Dutch Caribbean (including FPNA), Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-NL), Caribbean Cetacean Society, St. Eustatius Island Commissioner Lady Francis and His Excellency Governor Holiday of Sint Maarten

Park Updates

ARUBA

After surviving the hardships of the last two years, Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA) has made the strategic decision to transition from a park management organization to a conservation management organization.  To facilitate this transition, FPNA has created the first Multi-Annual Corporate Strategy 2022-2031 to increase effectiveness and efficiency for conservation, and a Sustainable Financing Plan 2022-2025 to diversify the income streams and become less dependent on park visitation and government subsidies.

BONAIRE

STINAPA Bonaire was unable to attend this most recent board meeting, however you can find more information about their 2021 accomplishments in their Annual Report. A few of this year’s highlights include completing the fence around the Washington Slagbaai Park, renewing the internal fence between Slagbaai and Washington plantations and removing over 50% of the goats from within Slagbaai. In addition, staff capacity improved with the hiring of a new Education Assistant and more staff members qualifying as special police agents (BAVPOL) improving STINAPA’s ability to enforce rules and regulations within the nature parks.

CURAÇAO

The Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (CARMABI) highlighted some big changes and impressive achievements for Curaçao. These included the declaration of a new marine park at East Point, as well as the opening of two new parks within Ramsar areas: the Rif Mangrove Park and National Park Rif St. Marie-Hermanus.  Also highlighted was the recovery of vegetation and rebound of biodiversity for Christoffel Park.

SABA

In 2021, Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF) executed a number of important projects including a bird monitoring program to track local populations of tropicbirds as well as a coral-mapping survey at the newly proposed harbor construction site.  SCF made great strides in establishing the ethno botanical garden in addition to the deployment of 95 artificial reef “Moreef” balls to help boost local coral reefs and accompany the next phase of the Diadema project.  Lastly, renovations to build the new Saba Sea Lab have also started and will help build capacity on the island moving forward.

ST. EUSTATIUS

From cutting edge 3D models to innovative management techniques, 2022 poses to be an exciting year for St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA). An updated nature ordinance is under review which, if passed, will enhance protection of trees, habitats and species as well as ensure a better protection of local fishing grounds. In addition, improvements in water catchment area management will set an important foundation for a reduction of sedimentation into the marine environment. 

ST. MAARTEN

Nature Foundation St. Maarten welcomed three new staff members, along with office renovations and improved finances and project funds, which will all serve as an important foundation for a productive 2022. Additionally, increased enforcement coupled with improved education and awareness campaigns (such as the In-No-Plastic project), nature conservation is off to a great start in 2022.

Full articles:

• DCNA to Hold Subsequent Board Meeting on Sint Maarten
• FPNA: Transitioning to a Conservation Management Organization
• 2022 promises new nature parks on Curaçao
• Exciting Changes for Nature Conservation in 2022 on Saba
• Unique Solutions Presented for Nature Conservation on St. Maarten
• Exciting New Nature Conservation Projects for STENAPA in 2022
   

From big litigation to renovations for their new sea lab, 2022 promises to be a banner year for the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF).  SCF recently presented at the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA)  Board Meeting, highlighting exciting new projects on the horizon.

Just over five years ago, a 48 meter super yacht, Elsa, broke loose of her mooring and ran ashore, leading to several thousand liters diesel fuel spilling into the sea.  SCF with assistance from DCNA completed an environmental impact assessment (EIA), showing minor damage to the marine habitat.  A second EIA was commissioned by the insurance company, where they also found no notable evidence to claim compensation for marine damage. Nonetheless, after a lengthy legal battle by the vessel’s owner, John Deuss of Elsa Shipping, against the State, Island Government and SCF , the court eventually decided in favor of the island and refuted all claims by the opponent.  However, Elsa Shipping appealed the ruling and the court case went into second instance and proceedings are still ongoing. Important lessons have been learned from the unfortunate incident and the SCF is now much better prepared to respond to such situations in the future, with the ultimate goal to protect the coastal resources of Saba.

Key Projects

Successes go beyond the courtroom, however, with a number of other key projects meeting important milestones.  SCF executed an important bird monitoring program to track the local populations of tropicbirds.  SCF also attended the Land Bird Monitoring Workshop in the Dominica Republic to help shape future bird projects for the island. In addition, coral mapping at the proposed harbor construction site was completed with a follow-on coral relocation trial.

Much progress has been made with the establishment of an ethno botanical garden at the SCF Trail Shop property in Windwardside. The garden will not only act as an educational center for the foundation’s after school programs and become a new tourist attraction, displaying indigenous local flora, but also serve as the focal point for the upcoming reforestation project, that will be initiated in mid 2022.

In an effort to further increase local coral reefs, important coral nurseries were established, which included the deployment of 95 artificial reef “Moreef” balls that boost a 95% coral survival rate.  Paired with a successful phase 1 of the Diadema project, which spawned nearly 400 long-spined black urchins in their nursery, the future for coral reef restoration is off to a promising start.  Renovations to build the new Saba Sea Lab at the old power plant have also started, which will help elevate these projects and build capacity on island for future endeavors.

Financial Gaps

Growth is not without limitations, however, as SCF stressed the potential financial shortfalls in the upcoming years.  Although the Nature and Environmental Policy Plan (NEPP) for the BES islands slated exciting new projects to dramatically improve the state of nature, this plan requires proper funding and an increase in capacity to manage and execute these projects.  Assuming a baseline revenue of 2018, SCF estimates a financial gap of nearly US$880,000 per year, thus creative and sustainable solutions are needed immediately.

There is also a need for additional external staff to complete reforestation projects, invasive species monitoring, removal of free roaming grazers, management of beach enhancements, monitoring sea water quality, keystone and flagship species enforcement not to mention capital investments for facilities for waste vessel discharge. Although Saba’s future looks auspicious, without serious and sustainable investments the island will fall short of the visions laid out in the NEPP.

Working Together

The DCNA board meeting is an important opportunity for each of the Protected Area Management Organizations in the Dutch Caribbean- – the Aruba National Parks Foundation (FPNA), STINAPA Bonaire, CARMABI Curaçao , Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF), Nature Foundation St. Maarten (NFSXM), St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA) – to collaborate, share resources and exchange information and ideas. Working together, each island can learn from the others, maximizing their successes and learning from the more challenging experiences.

Article published in Special Edition BioNews: 2022 Park Updates

The Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (CARMABI) recently highlighted some big changes and impressive achievements for Curaçao during the last Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) Board Meeting.  Achievements include the declaration of a new marine park at East Point as well as the opening of two other new nature parks around the corner. Also highlighted was the recovery of vegetation and rebound of biodiversity for Christoffel Park. 2022 promises to be an exciting year for conservation on the island.

Christoffel National Park

The Christoffel National Park, the largest and oldest protected area of Curaçao and the most biodiverse area within the ABC islands, is an inspiring case study of habitat revival for the region. The park is formed around three former plantations and areas of the park that were used for agriculture, the clear-cutting of trees and the roaming of introduced goats and other herbivores. Due to the reduced importance of plantations practices since the 1960’s and the removal of goats in the 1990’s, change in vegetation has been observed and documented between 1985 and 2019. This successful management of the park becomes clear with the strong increase in cover and abundance of different native plants including trees, bromeliads, orchids, palms. The recovering vegetation of the Christoffel National Park is likely directly influencing the abundance of native animals, including the Curaçao White-tailed deer, which will be intensively studied over the next years.

New parks

In other exciting news, the opening day of the new Curacao Rif Mangrove Park is just around the corner.  This park includes a beautiful boardwalk and watch tower, giving unprecedented access to these mangroves.  Future plans for a visitor’s center will really help visitors and locals alike appreciate the wonders of the island’s mangrove forests.

Another new upcoming park is National Park Rif St. Marie- Hermanus, located in a Ramsar area- wetland of international importance- including a historical lime kiln.

Curaçao Marine Park

Recent achievements also extend beneath the water, when in November 2020, the Curacao Marine Park was officially opened by DCNA’s Patron Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix.  In addition, Curaçao’s Marine Park announced that on March 7th, 2022, they had their first patrol with their new boat, Yaru, which will serve to promote safe and sustainable use within the park for many years to come.

In the National Marine Park, the Proteus Underwater Research Station will be located. This will allow scientists to live and conduct research directly from the ocean floor. PROTEUS™ is a project of the Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Center (FCOLC) and is Fabien Cousteau’s vision. 

Research

There have also been a number of critical research studies conducted around the island.  Coral trends, although in general decline, have noted some locally focused rapid regrowth since 2014.  This is a beacon of hope for coral restoration and conservation on the island.  Improved models of the coastline and groundwater will further improve information available to land area managers for future projects.

CARMABI noted that there is still a number of areas in which research is needed. In 2022, they will continue to investigate forest plots in the Christoffel National Park.  CARMABI emphasizes the need to focus on native plants and continuously increases efforts in the in-house native plant nursery to research these species and educate the general public on the importance of native plants.  In addition, as wetlands continue to gain recognition for their importance, both in environmental services as well as building resilience against climate change, CARMABI stressed the importance of further research within local mangrove forests areas.

Working Together

The DCNA board meeting is an important opportunity for each of the Protected Area Management Organizations in the Dutch Caribbean- – the Aruba National Parks Foundation (FPNA), STINAPA Bonaire, CARMABI Curaçao , Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF), Nature Foundation St. Maarten (NFSXM), St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA) – to collaborate, share resources and exchange information and ideas. Working together, each island can learn from the others, maximizing their successes and learning from the more challenging experiences.

CARMABI – Curaçao Marine Park Team. Left to right standing: Joël Dominguez (ranger), Paul Stokkermans (CARMABI Directeur), Kevin Philbert (ranger). Left to right squatted: Roland de Cuba (ranger), Duvan Rios Ospina (Head Department Mariene Parken)

Article included in Special Edition: 2022 Park Updates

Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA) recently highlighted their successes and struggles of 2021 and gave a brief preview of their Multi-Annual Corporate Strategy 2022-2031 during the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) board meeting held in St. Maarten. Having survived the Covid pandemic, FPNA is now channeling all its efforts to reposition itself to align better with its core purpose.

2020-2021 Challenges & Opportunities

Natasha J. Silva presenting an update on FPNA’s successes and challenges at the DCNA Board meeting

The Covid-year 2021, and 2020, were an eye-opener for many organizations, including FPNA. As the local community was experiencing a non-precedential pandemic, more people decided to recreate in nature and enjoy the protected areas under management of FPNA. On a positive note, this behavior change has led to an increase of approximately 300% of Annual Pass holders for Parke Nacional Arikok in 2021. As the tourism industry was recovering, nature had a breather and temporarily flourished from the mass high-impact recreational activities occurring both on land and in sea. As certain wildlife species became more visible, and some nature values were restored, this led to a community discourse on how to move forward post-pandemic with the tourism industry in balance with nature. This community discourse led to demanding more from FPNA as the guardian of Aruba’s nature.

Amidst the world economic crisis in 2021, FPNA focused on surviving financially, which led to cuts in its operational budget and a down-sizing of the organization by 32%. This, while operations needed to continue as usual and did for the large part. As tourism was recovering, the threats on nature were also rapidly increasing, and with limited financial and human resources, the FPNA team went through a deep introspection to evaluate the direction the organization will have to take post-pandemic, to increase its own organizational sustainability and conservation effectiveness. This introspection led to the realization of a much-needed transition from a park management organization to a conservation management organization. To facilitate this transitioning, FPNA created the first Multi-Annual Corporate Strategy 2022-2031 to increase effectiveness and efficiency for conservation, and a Sustainable Financing Plan 2022-2025 to diversify the income streams and become less dependent on park visitation and government subsidies.

A New Direction

The FPNA Management Team went through a five-step integral approach to access the business environment, stakeholder mapping, articulation of the aspiration towards 2031 drafting of the corporate strategy, and finally the creation of an implementation strategy. This approach has enabled the team to restructure their thinking, ask the right questions, test underlying assumptions, probe to critically look at the organization from an integrated perspective, explore and capture the most essential aspirational elements, and have a profound dialogue on these aspects. The Management Team had established a Sounding Board consisting of employees of FPNA to provide feedback at each step within the process.

To accomplish the Multi-Annual Corporate Strategy 2022-2031 the Management Team must commit to a broad strategic approach which enables the team to focus their attention, energy, and resources on four distinct but interrelated strategic pillars, and a set of strategic goals. The four strategic pillars are: 1) ‘Leadership in Nature Conservation – Integrated and inclusive Care for Nature of Aruba and its sustained conservation’, 2) ‘Transition to Sustainable Transformational Experiences – Create Value towards a nature based-experience economy for Nature of Aruba, Aruba as a whole and stakeholders’, 3) ‘Excellence in Conservation Co-Creation – Connect and Engage People to Nature by increasing understanding, stewardship and support for long term Conservation’, and 4) ‘Sustainable Organizational Development – Transformation to a modern, high performing conservation management organization with future proof capabilities and exemplary leadership in sustainability. The defined strategic pillars and strategic goals will pave the way for effective collaboration between FPNA and the members of the DCNA.

Strategically Working Together

For a sustainable future, with a thriving biodiversity and resilient ecosystems, within the Dutch Caribbean, it is crucial for all protected area management organization to reevaluate their contribution to nature conservation. As FPNA is leading in this process, it can serve as an example on how to create a long-term strategic planning to reach effective and efficient conservation. The long-term planning will facilitate the collaboration through the DCNA, and for DCNA to strategically provide the necessary technical support, foster knowledge exchange withing the alliance, and effectively raise funds for the different collaborations between the nature conservation organizations. Working together, each island can learn from the others, maximizing their successes and learning from the more challenging experiences.

DCNA Board meeting including representatives of the DCNA Board, Protected Area Management Organizations in the Dutch Caribbean (including FPNA), Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-NL), Caribbean Cetacean Society, St. Eustatius Island Commissioner Lady Francis and His Excellency Governor Holiday of Sint Maarten

Article included in Special Edition: 2022 Park Updates