research

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean. BioNews provides regular updates on science and nature projects as well as overviews of on-going research and monitoring efforts, long term projects, recent reports and publications.

In BioNews 68 you will find articles on:

• Upcoming Symposium on Nature Based Solutions
• Silent Reef Keepers: The Fight to Save the Caribbean Reef Shark
• Climate scenarios and a Climate Impact Atlas for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba
• The Science Behind Protecting Birds
• Fontein’s Revival: Freshwater Oasis Preserved on Bonaire

You will also find up-to-date overviews of:

• Recent reports and publications
• Current research, monitoring and long-term programs

You can sign-up here or send an email to research@DCNAnature.org and we will be happy to add you to our mailing list

For previous versions, please check the BioNews archive

*This newsletter was published by DCNA and funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).

Dutch, Papiamento and Papiamentu below 

A new DCNA project “Monitoring for Bird Biodiversity Conservation in the Dutch Caribbean” has officially been launched. Through combining enhanced training, field surveys and the use of a standardized monitoring programme, local nature management organizations can now better contribute to monitoring and protecting land bird populations and its environments across the Dutch Caribbean.  

Through this new project, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) aims to equip the nature management organizations (parks)- Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA), Stichting Nationale Parken Bonaire (STINAPA), Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (CARMABI), Saba Conservation Foundation, St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA) and Nature Foundation St. Maarten– with the tools to actively monitor land bird populations and analyze the data. This project is more than mere data collection; it is a dynamic, science-driven initiative designed to facilitate comprehensive analysis and knowledge sharing, offering insights into the health of the local ecosystems. The project started this year and will run through the first quarter of 2028. The project is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and DCNA’s activities are funded by the Dutch Postcode Lottery. 

Ecological Health 

Birds offer a unique lens through which the parks can assess the overall health of their ecosystems.  In addition, birds play a crucial role in island ecosystems e.g., pollinating flowers, dispersing seeds, and emphasize how important protected areas are for certain restricted-range, vulnerable species. By tracking the relative abundance and species composition of birds across different environment types, there are a number of key insights to be gained on island, inter-island and regional levels. 

One objective is to better understand the relative abundance of birds, both in general and for specific species. Through careful observation, this project will look to discern patterns and fluctuations over seasons and time. These fluctuations are not just indicators of avian life but windows into broader ecological dynamics. 

In addition, this project will investigate the composition of bird species in various environments throughout the year.  This will give the parks a better understanding of how local ecosystems evolve and adapt throughout the year. 

The monitoring efforts will help to ensure that species under threat are identified in time to influence their long-term survival. Also, changes- or the absence thereof- in bird population sizes may indicate environmental change or stability. In this way, monitoring bird population can tell us more about nature’s “health” in general. This helps parks to evaluate conservation success and adapt management actions if needed.  

Methodology 

Photo credit: Rostislav Stach (SHAPE/DCNA)- all rights reserved

In 2022, the DCNA has provided parks’ staff with the opportunity to attend the PROALAS bird monitoring workshop in the Dominican Republic, organized by BirdsCaribbean. Through DCNA’s Research and Monitoring Working Group, the parks chose to use the PROALAS protocol as a standardized landbird monitoring method. Thanks to this standardized protocol, data collected in this programme will be comparable between Dutch Caribbean islands and with the rest of the Caribbean and South American region.   

Bird surveys will be conducted twice a year, specifically in March/April (post rainy-season) and in October/November (pre-rainy-season) on all six Dutch Caribbean islands. These surveys will be executed by trained park rangers and other bird experts. 

A Shared Commitment to Science 

This project will also contribute to achieving the strategic goals regarding (land)birds and their habitats as a part of the Nature and Environment Policy Plan (NEPP) by the Ministries of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV), and Infrastructure and Water Management (I&W).  The project has been developed in consultation with Wageningen University & Research to make sure it can be used to the related “State of Nature of the Caribbean Netherlands Reporting”. Furthermore, to promote transparency and foster collaboration, all collected data will be made accessible through the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database (DCBD), Observation.org, and BirdsCaribbean. This commitment to data sharing transcends borders, ensuring that the science-driven conservation efforts benefit not only the Dutch Caribbean but also the global scientific community.  

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DCNA       

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) supports (science) communication and outreach in the Dutch Caribbean region by making nature-related scientific information more widely available through amongst others the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, DCNA’s news platform BioNews and the press.  No rights can be derived from the content. DCNA is not liable for the content and the in(direct) impacts resulting from publishing this article.      

Een nieuw DCNA-project ‘Monitoring for Bird Biodiversity Conservation in the Dutch Caribbean’ is officieel gelanceerd. Door het combineren van verbeterde training, veldonderzoek en het gebruik van een gestandaardiseerd monitoringprogramma kunnen lokale natuurbeheerorganisaties nu beter bijdragen aan het monitoren en beschermen van landvogelpopulaties en hun omgeving in het Caribisch gebied. 

Met dit nieuwe project wil de Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) de natuurbeheerorganisaties (parken) – Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA), Stichting Nationale Parken Bonaire (STINAPA), Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (CARMABI), Saba Conservation Foundation, St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA) en Nature Foundation St. Maarten– uitrusten met de tools om landvogelpopulaties actief te monitoren en de gegevens te analyseren. Dit project is meer dan alleen het verzamelen van gegevens; het is een dynamisch, wetenschappelijk aangedreven initiatief dat is ontworpen om uitgebreide analyses en kennisuitwisseling mogelijk te maken en inzichten te bieden in de gezondheid van de lokale ecosystemen. Het project is dit jaar gestart en loopt tot het eerste kwartaal van 2028. Het project wordt gefinancierd door het Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuur en Voedselkwaliteit en de activiteiten van DCNA worden gefinancierd door de Nationale Postcode Loterij. 

Ecologische gezondheid 

Vogels bieden een unieke lens waarmee de parken de algehele gezondheid van hun ecosystemen kunnen beoordelen. Bovendien spelen vogels een cruciale rol in de ecosystemen van eilanden, bijvoorbeeld door bloemen te bestuiven, zaden te verspreiden, en ze benadrukken hoe belangrijk beschermde gebieden zijn voor bepaalde, kwetsbare soorten met een beperkt verspreidingsgebied. Door de relatieve dichtheid en soortensamenstelling van vogels in verschillende omgevingstypen te volgen, kunnen er een aantal belangrijke inzichten worden verkregen op eiland-, intereiland- en regionaal niveau. 

Eén doelstelling is om de relatieve dichtheid aan vogels beter te begrijpen, zowel in het algemeen als voor specifieke soorten. Door middel van zorgvuldige observatie zal dit project proberen patronen en fluctuaties in de loop van seizoenen en tijd te onderscheiden. Deze fluctuaties zijn niet alleen indicatoren van het vogelleven, maar vensters in een bredere ecologische dynamiek. 

Daarnaast zal dit project het hele jaar door de samenstelling van vogelsoorten in verschillende omgevingen onderzoeken. Dit zal de parken een beter inzicht geven in hoe lokale ecosystemen het hele jaar door ontwikkelen en zich aanpassen. 

De monitoringinspanningen zullen ertoe bijdragen dat bedreigde soorten tijdig worden geïdentificeerd om hun overleving op de lange termijn te beïnvloeden. Ook kunnen veranderingen – of de afwezigheid daarvan – in de omvang van de vogelpopulatie wijzen op veranderingen of stabiliteit in de omgeving. Op deze manier kan het monitoren van de vogelpopulatie ons meer vertellen over de ‘gezondheid’ van de natuur in het algemeen. Dit helpt parken om het succes van natuurbehoud te evalueren en indien nodig beheersmaatregelen aan te passen. 

Methodologie 

 Antillean crested hummingbird (Orthorhyncus cristatus) by Rostislav Stach (SHAPE/DCNA)- Alle rechten voorbehouden 

In 2022 heeft DCNA parkpersoneel de mogelijkheid geboden om de PROALAS-workshop voor vogelmonitoring in de Dominicaanse Republiek bij te wonen, georganiseerd door BirdsCaribbean. Via de Research and Monitoring Working Group van DCNA kozen de parken ervoor om het PROALAS -protocol te gebruiken als een gestandaardiseerde monitoringmethode voor landvogels. Dankzij dit gestandaardiseerde protocol zullen de in dit programma verzamelde gegevens vergelijkbaar zijn tussen de Nederlands Caribische eilanden en met de rest van het Caribisch gebied en de Zuid-Amerikaanse regio. 

Er zullen tweemaal per jaar vogelonderzoeken op alle zes de Nederlands-Caribische eilanden worden uitgevoerd, namelijk in maart/april (na het regenseizoen) en in oktober/november (vóór het regenseizoen). Deze onderzoeken zullen worden uitgevoerd door getrainde parkwachters en andere vogelexperts. 

Een gedeelde toewijding aan de wetenschap 

Dit project zal tevens bijdragen aan het realiseren van de strategische doelen op het gebied van (land)vogels en hun leefgebieden als onderdeel van het Natuur- en Milieubeleidsplan (NEPP) van de ministeries van Landbouw, Natuur en Voedselkwaliteit (LNV) en Infrastructuur en Waterstaat. (I&W). Het project is ontwikkeld in overleg met Wageningen University & Research om ervoor te zorgen dat het gebruikt kan worden voor de gerelateerde “Staat van de natuur Caribisch Nederland rapportage”. Om de transparantie te bevorderen en samenwerking te bevorderen, zullen alle verzamelde gegevens bovendien toegankelijk worden gemaakt via de Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database (DCBD), Observation.org, en BirdsCaribbean. Deze toewijding aan het delen van gegevens overstijgt grenzen en zorgt ervoor dat de wetenschappelijk gestuurde inspanningen op het gebied van natuurbehoud niet alleen ten goede komen aan het Nederlandse Caribisch gebied, maar ook aan de mondiale wetenschappelijke gemeenschap. 

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DCNA 

De Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) ondersteunt (wetenschaps) communicatie en outreach in de Nederlandse Caribische regio door natuurgerelateerde wetenschappelijke informatie breder beschikbaar te maken via onder meer de Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, DCNA’s nieuwsplatform BioNews en de pers. Aan de inhoud kunnen geen rechten worden ontleend. DCNA is niet aansprakelijk voor de inhoud en de indirecte gevolgen die voortvloeien uit het publiceren van dit artikel.  

A lansa oficialmente un proyecto nobo di DCNA “Monitoreo pa Conservacion di Biodiversidad di parha den Caribe Hulandes”. Mediante combinacion di miho capacitacion, estudionan di campo y uzo di un programa di monitoreo standarisa, awor e organisacionnan local di maneho di naturalesa por contribui miho na monitoreo y proteccion di e poblacionnan di parha di tera y nan medio ambiente den henter Caribe Hulandes. 

A traves di e proyecto nobo aki, Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) tin como meta ekipa e organisacionnan di maneho di naturalesa (parkenan): Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA), Stichting Nationale Parken Bonaire (STINAPA), Investigacion y Maneho di e Biodiversidad di Caribe (CARMABI) , Saba Conservation Foundation, St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA) y Nature Foundation St. Maarten, cu e hermentnan pa monitorea activamente e poblacionnan di parha di tera y analisa e datonan. E proyecto aki ta mas cu un simpel compilacion di dato; e ta un iniciativa dinamico, impulsa pa ciencia y diseña pa facilita analisis integral y intercambio di conocemento, ofreciendo informacion tocante salud di e ecosistemanan local. E proyecto a cuminsa e aña aki y lo extende te na e prome trimester di 2028. E proyecto ta financia pa Ministerio di Agricultura, Naturalesa y Calidad di Alimento y e actividadnan di DCNA ta financia pa Loteria di Codigo Postal di Hulanda. 

Salud Ecologico 

E parhanan ta ofrece un lens unico a traves di cua e parkenan por evalua salud general di nan ecosistemanan. Ademas, e parhanan ta hunga un rol crucial den ecosistema insular, por ehempel, polinisando flor, distribuyendo simia, y nan ta enfatisa importancia di e areanan proteha pa cierto especie vulnerabel di distribucion restringi. Door di sigui e abundancia relativo y composicion di e especienan di parha den diferente tipo ambiental, por obtene un serie di conocemento clave na nivel insular, interinsular y regional. 

Un di e metanan ta pa compronde miho e abundancia relativo di parha, tanto den especie general como den especie specifico. A traves di un observacion cuidadoso, e proyecto aki lo trata na discerni patronchinan y fluctuacionnan a lo largo di e estacionnan y tempo. E fluctuacionnan aki no ta solamente indicado di bida di parha, sino bentananan pa un ecologico dinamico mas amplio.  

Adicionalmente, e proyectonan lo investiga composicion di e especienan di parha den varios medio ambiente durante aña. Esaki lo duna e parkenan un miho comprension di con e ecosistemanan local ta evoluciona y adapta nan mes durante aña. 

E esfuersonan di monitorea lo yuda garantisa cu e especienan menasa ta keda identifica na tempo pa influencia nan sobrevivencia a largo plazo. Ademas, e cambionan (of ausencia di nan) den tamaño di poblacion di parha por indica un cambio of stabilidad ambiental. Di e manera aki, monitorea poblacion di parha por bisa nos mas tocante “salud” di naturalesa en general. Esaki ta yuda e parkenan evalua e exito di conservacion y adapta e accionnan di maneho den caso cu ta necesario. 

Metodologia 

Foto: Rostislav Stach (SHAPE/DCNA)- Tur derecho reserva

Na aña 2022 DCNA a brinda personal di e parkenan oportunidad di asisti na PROALAS bird monitoring workshop in the Dominican Republic, organisa pa BirdsCaribbean. Pa medio di Grupo di Trabou di Investigacion y Monitoreo di DCNA, e parkenan a opta pa utilisa e protocol PROALAScomo metodo standarisa di monitoreo di parha di tera. Danki na e protocol standarisa aki, e datonan compila den e programa aki lo ta comparabel entre e islanan di Caribe Hulandes y resto di e region di Caribe y Zuid-Amerika. 

Lo realisa censo di parha dos biaha pa aña, specificamente den luna di maart/april (post- temporada di yobida) y den luna di october/november (pre- temporada di yobida) na tur seis isla di Caribe Hulandes. E estudionan aki lo wordo realisa pa park rangers capacita y otro expertonan di parha.  

Un compromiso Comparti cu Ciencia 

E proyecto aki tambe lo contribui pa logra e metanan strategico relaciona cu e parhanan (di tera) y nan habitat como parti di Nature and Environment Policy Plan (NEPP)  di Ministerio di Agricultura, Naturalesa y Calidad di Alimento (LNV), Infrastructura y Maneho di Awa. (I&W). E proyecto a keda desaroya den consulta cu Wageningen University & Research pa garantisa cu por uza esaki den e informacionnan relaciona cu  “State of Nature of the Caribbean Netherlands Reporting”. Ademas, pa promove transparencia y fomenta colaboracion, tur dato compila lo ta accesibel a traves di e database Biodiversidad di Caribe Hulandes (DCBD), Observation.org y BirdsCaribbean. E compromiso aki di comparti dato ta pasa frontera, pa sigura cu e  esfuersonan di conservacion impulsa pa ciencia ta beneficia no solamente Caribe Hulandes, sino tambe e comunidad cientifico mundial.  

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DCNA 

Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) ta sostene comunicacion (cientifico) y  divulgacion den region di Caribe Hulandes door di percura cu e informacion cientifico relaciona cu naturalesa ta ampliamente disponibel a traves di entre otro, Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, e plataforma di noticia BioNews di DCNA y prensa.  No tin derecho pa saca nada di e contenido. DCNA no ta responsabel pa e contenido y e impactonan indirecto cu resulta di e publicacion di e articulo aki. 

DCNA a lansa un proyekto nobo  ‘Monitoring for Bird Biodiversity Conservation in the Dutch Caribbean  – Monitoreo pa konservashon di biodiversidat di para na Karibe Hulandes’.  Pa medio di un kombinashon di entrenamentu mehorá, investigashon den vèlt i uso di un programa di monitoreo standarisá, awor organisashonnan lokal di maneho di naturalesa por aportá mas mihó na monitoreo i protekshon di populashon di para di tera i nan alrededor den área karibense. 

Ku e proyekto nobo akí Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) ke ekipá e organisashonnan di maneho di naturalesa (e parkenan) – Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA), Stichting Nationale Parken Bonaire (STINAPA), Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (CARMABI), Saba Conservation Foundation, St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA) i Nature Foundation St. Maarten– ku e hèrmèntnan  pa aktivamente monitoriá populashon di para di tera i analisá e informashonnan. E proyekto akí ta mas ku solamente akumulá informashon; e ta un inisiativa dinámiko, impulsá sientífikamente i ku nan a diseñá pa hasi análisis amplio i interkambio di konosementu posibel i pa brinda komprenshon tokante salú di e ekosistemanan lokal. E proyekto a ranka sali e aña akí i ta kontinuá te den e promé kuartal di aña 2028. Ministerio di Agrikultura, Naturalesa i Kalidat di Kuminda ta finansiá e proyekto i Nationale Postcode Loterij ta finansiá e aktividatnan di DCNA. 

Salú ekológiko 

Para ta ofresé un lèns úniko atraves di kua e parkenan por evaluá salú general di nan ekosistemanan. Banda di esaki para ta hunga un ròl krusial den ekosistema di e islanan, por ehèmpel pa medio di polinisá flor i plama simia, i nan ta enfatisá kon importante áreanan protehá ta pa sierto espesienan vulnerabel ku un área restringí kaminda ta topa ku nan. Pa medio di sigui e abundansia relativo i e komposishon di espesie di para den diferente tipo di medio ambiente, por optené konosementu importante riba nivel insular, interinsular i regional.  

Un di e metanan ta pa komprendé e abundansia relativo di para mas mihó, tantu en general komo pa espesienan spesífiko. Pa medio di opservashon minusioso e proyekto akí ta bai purba distinguí patronchi i fluktuashon den kurso di vários temporada i tempu. E fluktuashonnan akí no solamente ta indikadónan di bida di para, pero tambe ta duna un bista riba un dinamismo ekológiko mas amplio.  

Aparte di esaki durante henter aña e proyekto akí lo investigá komposishon di espesienan di para den diferente alrededor. Esaki lo duna e parkenan un mihó komprenshon di e manera ku ekosistemanan lokal ta evoluá i adaptá nan mes durante henter aña.  

E esfuersonan i monitoreo lo yuda garantisá ku ta identifiká espesienan menasá na tempu pa influensiá nan sobrebibensia riba término largu. Kambio  – òf ousensia di kambio  –  den grandura di e populashon di para tambe por indiká sierto kambionan òf stabilidat den medio ambiente. Di e manera akí monitoreo di populashon di para por konta nos mas tokante ‘salú’ di naturalesa en general. Esaki ta yuda e parkenan pa evaluá éksito di konservashon di naturalesa i si ta nesesario adaptá e medidanan di maneho. 

Metodologia 

Foto: Rostislav Stach (SHAPE/DCNA)- Tur derecho reserva

Na aña 2022 DCNA a ofresé personal di parke e posibilidat pa asistí na e tayer di PROALAS pa monitoreo di para na Repúblika Dominikana, organisá pa BirdsCaribbean. Via e Grupo di Trabou di Investigashon i Monitoreo di DCNA e parkenan a skohe pa usa e protokòl di PROALASkomo un método standarisá di monitoreo pa para di tera. Danki na e protokòl standarisá akí e informashonnan ku a akumulá den e programa akí lo ta komparabel entre e islanan di Karibe Hulandes i ku sobrá di e área karibense i region Suramerikano. 

Dos biaha pa aña lo ehekutá investigashon di para, spesífikamente na luna di mart/aprel (despues di temporada di yobida) i na luna di òktober/novèmber (promé ku temporada di yobida) na tur e seis islanan di Karibe Hulandes. Rangernan entrená di parke i otro ekspertonan di para lo ehekutá e investigashonnan akí. 

Un dedikashon kompartí na siensia 

E proyekto akí lo kontribuí na realisashon di e metanan stratégiko riba tereno di para (di tera) i nan áreanan di biba komo parti di e  Plan di Maneho di Naturalesa i Medio Ambiente di e ministerionan di Agrikultura, Naturalesa i Kalidat di Kuminda i Infrastruktura i Maneho di Awa. A desaroyá e proyekto den konsulta ku Wageningen University & Research pa sòru ku por us’é pa e ‘Raportahe tokante Estado di Naturalesa di Karibe Hulandes’ korespondiente. Ademas, pa promové transparensia i kolaborashon, lo hasi tur e informashonnan akumulá aksesibel via Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity, Observation.org, i BirdsCaribbean. E dedikashon na kompartimentu di informashon ta surpasá frontera i ta sòru pa e esfuersonan impulsá pa siensia riba tereno di konservashon di naturalesa no solamente ta na benefisio di e área di Karibe Hulandes, pero tambe di e komunidat sientífiko mundial.  

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DCNA       

 Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA)  ta sostené komunikashon (sientífiko) i ‘outreach’ den region hulandes karibense pa medio di hasi informashon sientífiko relashoná ku naturalesa mas ampliamente disponibel via entre otro Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, DCNA su plataforma di notisia BioNews i via prensa. No por derivá ningun derecho for di e kontenido. DCNA no ta responsabel pa e kontenido i e konsekuensianan (in)direkto ku ta surgi for di publikashon di e artíkulo akí. 

Published in BioNews 69

The Dutch Caribbean is home to a wide variety of unique animal and plant species and tropical habitats like coral reefs, mangroves and elfin forest. Nature contributes to the wellbeing of the local people, providing areas used as to generate income, food, recreation and (coastal) protection. Unfortunately, the islands’ natural resources are under pressure, stemming from local, regional and global threats. This combination makes understanding the state of nature through research and monitoring projects crucial for efficient and effective management and protection.

Each island has its own nature conservation (management) organizations tasked with safeguarding these natural areas. Nature conservation (management) organizations’ staff (biologists, rangers) and (citizen) scientists from all over the world provide invaluable support by gathering knowledge about these complex and fragile ecosystems.

The funding for research and monitoring in the Dutch Caribbean comes largely from the European Netherlands but also from other foreign institutions. Some monitoring (and research) projects by the local nature conservation (management) organizations are funded by governments and through park visitors' incomes. Science and research agendas are determined, and essential fieldwork is often directed by large science institutes and universities such as Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Dutch Research Council (NWO), the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Naturalis Biodiversity Center and the Smithsonian Institution. Although these institutions have sound scientific expertise and can meet the specific conditions required by international funders, they often lack local knowledge, capacity and infrastructure on the islands to carry out their work. Research topics are often based on knowledge gaps in science and international reporting obligations which do not always match the most pressing conservation issues for managing the protected areas (parks) in the Dutch Caribbean.

Local organizations can play an essential role in ensuring the local context is taken into consideration when doing research on the Dutch Caribbean islands. The (small) local non-governmental conservation organisations are often the only institutions with the capacity to support fieldwork of visiting scientists. They have the staff, local knowledge and necessary infrastructure and/or logistics (e.g. vehicles and laboratories), but their resources and capacity are often limited. One of the principles of 'sound nature management' is to have management choices guided by scientific research ('science-based management'). Unfortunately, this is often impossible on the islands due to a lack of financial resources and personnel, and conservation organizations are frequently forced to conduct annual monitoring with the limited available resources they have ("management-based science").

One of the key roles of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) is to find ways to build local capacity, improve knowledge sharing and cooperation, and promote efficient networking between different stakeholders, including the nature conservation management organizations on the six Dutch Caribbean islands. To help guide (visiting) researchers, students and funders in their design and implementation of projects within the region, nature conservation management organizations created these Research and Monitoring Guidelines for the protected areas (parks) with the following objectives:

• Support research and monitoring: keep researchers, funders and students well informed about the nature conservation management organizations’ research recommendations and wishes by having this framework updated yearly and published in DCNA’s digital newsletter BioNews and the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database.

• Support local capacity building: encourage (visiting) researchers, students and funders to include local capacity building in their activities to adopt a more sustainable and integrative approach by bridging the worlds of knowledge and action, by not only focusing regionally but emphasizing approaches which are local, place-based, and solution-oriented.

• Encourage ethical practices: provide guidance for conducting research which is carried out in consideration of the local context, practices and sensitivities.

• Make scientific information widely available: request researchers to submit data, reports and publications for upload to the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database where it can be used, amongst others, to guide local policy and management.

• Support science communication and outreach: to promote the sharing of project information to enhance communication and outreach to a diverse group of stakeholders such as other members of the scientific community, local nature conservation organizations, policy makes and the inhabitants of the islands.

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean. BioNews provides regular updates on science and nature projects as well as overviews of on-going research and monitoring efforts, long term projects, recent reports and publications.

In BioNews 68 you will find articles on:

• Reviving Wild Forests to Enhance Food Security
• Guana Guardians: Safeguarding Iguanas for a Vibrant Future
• Preserving Paradise: Nature and Environmental Policy Plan 2020-2030
• Meet Yarari: The Caribbean’s Newest Nature Park

You will also find up-to-date overviews of:

• Recent reports and publications
• Current research, monitoring and long-term programs

You can sign-up here or send an email to research@DCNAnature.org and we will be happy to add you to our mailing list

For previous versions, please check the BioNews archive

*This newsletter was published by DCNA and funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean. BioNews provides regular updates on science and nature projects as well as overviews of on-going research and monitoring efforts, long term projects, recent reports and publications.

In BioNews 67 you will find articles on:

• Rampant Rodents: The Problem with Rats
• Tracking Larval Behavior for Coral and Oyster Reef Restoration 
• Unveiling Hidden Communities with FARMS
• Sea Turtle Trends: Understanding Patterns with Predictive Models

You will also find up-to-date overviews of:

• Recent reports and publications
• Current research, monitoring and long-term programs

You can sign-up here or send an email to research@DCNAnature.org and we will be happy to add you to our mailing list

For previous versions, please check the BioNews archive

*This newsletter was published by DCNA and funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean. BioNews provides regular updates on science and nature projects as well as overviews of on-going research and monitoring efforts, long term projects, recent reports and publications.

In BioNews 66 you will find articles on:

• Hammerheads Hang in the Balance: Why These Sharks Deserve a Helping Hand
• Reef Repercussions: The Unintended Consequences of Fish Feeding
• Florida’s biosecurity failings threaten Caribbean reptiles
• Tackling the Tilapia Problem
• Beneath the Beauty: Water Hyacinth’s Threat to the Dutch Caribbean

You will also find up to date overviews of:

• Recent reports and publications
• Current research, monitoring and long term programs

You can sign-up here or send an email to research@DCNAnature.org and we will be happy to add you to our mailing list

For previous versions, please check the BioNews archive

*This newsletter was published by DCNA and funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean. BioNews provides regular updates on science and nature projects as well as overviews of on-going research and monitoring efforts, long term projects, recent reports and publications.

In BioNews 65 you will find articles on:

• Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy visits the Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity foundation (CARMABI)
• Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy visits the mangrove forests of Bonaire
• Island Iguanas: Tales of Survival and Conservation in the Caribbean
• Getting to the Root of the Neem Problem
• Puffers in Peril: What’s Happening to the Pufferfish?
• Big Live Nature Quiz—Winners in the Dutch Caribbean​​​​​​​

You will also find up to date overviews of:

• Recent reports and publications
• Current research, monitoring and long term programs

You can sign-up here or send an email to research@DCNAnature.org and we will be happy to add you to our mailing list

For previous versions, please check the BioNews archive

*This newsletter was published by DCNA and funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).

Dutch, Papiamento, and Papiamentu below

On Tuesday May 16th, 2023, the Minister for Climate and Energy, Drs. Rob Jetten, and his delegation visited the Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity foundation (CARMABI) on Curaçao. Here, he was welcomed by Paul Stokkermans (director of CARMABI), Cor Hameete (Head Nature and Environment Education of CARMABI), and Nina Zander (Policy Advisor of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance – DCNA). Mr. Stokkermans and Mr. Hametee introduced the Minister and his delegation to CARMABI – both through a presentation and a tour of the CARMABI building, showcasing all the important work being executed there.

Minister Jetten and Jonas de Graaf (Advisor Representation of the Netherlands on CAS-islands) during presentation. Photo credit: Berber van Beek.

The Minister for Climate and Energy, Drs. Rob Jetten, has co-hosted the Caribbean Climate & Energy Conference on Aruba from the 10^th to the 12^th of May. After the conference on Aruba, the Minister and his delegation traveled to Curaçao. On Tuesday, May 16^th, 2023, the Minister and his delegation visited the Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity foundation (CARMABI) on Curaçao, where they were welcomed by Paul Stokkermans (director of CARMABI), Cor Hameete (Head Nature and Environment Education of CARMABI) and Nina Zander (Policy Advisor for the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance – DCNA).

The visit focused on the impact of climate issues on Curaçao. “There are several local environmental problems that are too big for the islands, but that the Kingdom might be able to help with, such as the pollution that travels from land into the sea,” said Paul Stokkermans, director of Carmabi.

Carmabi is a non-profit foundation that has been active on the island of Curaçao since 1955. The organization started as a marine biological research institute, but over the years it has also started to focus on the conservation of nature parks and nature and environmental education. The organization consists of five parts:

• Research;
• Management of terrestrial parks;
• Management of marine parks;
• Nature and environmental education;
• Ecological advice and consultancy to third parties.

Minister Jetten during a tour through Carmabi’s Marine Education Centre. Photo credit: Berber van Beek.

During his visit, Minister Jetten received an extensive presentation from Stokkermans and Hameete. “During the presentation, we were able to inform the Minister in detail about the various work Carmabi is executing on the island, such as research and education,” says Hameete, “but we were also able to tell him more about the local environmental problems we face as an island, such as the lack of wastewater treatment for chemical wastewater, the sewage problem, and the effects of overfishing on our coral ecosystem.  This visit demonstrates a commitment to working together to address our climate, environmental, and energy challenges.”

From left to right: Nina Zander (Policy Advisor DCNA), Cor Hametee (Head Nature and Environment Education of CARMABI), Rob Jetten (Minister for Climate and Energy), and Paul Stokkermans (Director CARMABI). Photo credit: Berber van Beek

After the presentation, the delegation was given a tour of the Carmabi site during which the Minister visited the Research Center, Marine Education Center (MEC), and the library. At the end of the visit, the minister was given the comic book “Coral Heroes,” which is written in Dutch and Papiamentu.

Before traveling to Aruba, the Minister visited Bonaire, where, amongst others, he was escorted through Bonaire’s mangrove forest on May 9^th, 2023, by the Mangrove Maniacs and the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA). “As DCNA, we think it is great to see the Minister visiting multiple Dutch Caribbean Islands to grasp the differences in culture, issues faced, and needs. We strongly support the Minister’s call for cooperation within The Kingdom” says Nina, DCNA’s Policy Advisor.

Op dinsdag 16 mei 2023 bracht de Minister voor Klimaat en Energie, drs. Rob Jetten, met zijn delegatie een bezoek aan de Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity foundation (CARMABI) op Curaçao. Hier werd hij verwelkomt door Paul Stokkermans (directeur CARMABI), Cor Hameete (Hoofd Natuur- en Milieueducatie CARMABI) en Nina Zander (Beleidsadviseur Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance – DCNA). De heer Stokkermans en de heer Hametee lieten de Minister en zijn delegatie kennismaken met CARMABI – zowel door middel van een presentatie als een rondleiding door het CARMABI-gebouw, waarbij al het belangrijke werk dat daar wordt uitgevoerd, werd getoond.

Minister Jetten en Jonas de Graaf (Adviseur Vertegenwoordiging van Nederland op CAS-eilanden) tijdens presentatie. Fotocredit: Berber van Beek.

De Minister van Klimaat en Energie, drs. Rob Jetten was mede-gastheer van de Caribbean Climate & Energy Conference op Aruba van 10 tot 12 mei. Na de conferentie op Aruba reisde de Minister door naar Curaçao. Op dinsdag 16 mei 2023 bezochten de Minister en zijn delegatie de Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity foundation (CARMABI) op Curaçao, waar zij werden ontvangen door Paul Stokkermans (directeur CARMABI), Cor Hameete (Hoofd Natuur- en Milieueducatie van CARMABI) en Nina Zander (Beleidsadviseur voor de Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance – DCNA).

Het bezoek stond in het teken van de impact van klimaatproblematiek op Curaçao. “Er zijn verschillende lokale milieuproblemen die te groot zijn voor de eilanden, maar waar het Koninkrijk misschien wel iets aan kan doen, zoals de vervuiling die van het land in de zee terecht komt”, aldus Paul Stokkermans, directeur van Carmabi.

Carmabi is een stichting zonder winstoogmerk die sinds 1955 actief is op het eiland Curaçao. De organisatie begon als marien-biologisch onderzoeksinstituut, maar is zich in de loop der jaren ook gaan richten op het beheer van natuurparken en natuur- en milieueducatie. De organisatie bestaat nu uit 5 afdelingen:

• Wetenschappelijk onderzoek,
• Beheer van terrestrisch natuurparken,
• Beheer van mariene natuurparken,
• Natuur- en milieueducatie,
• Ecologisch advies en consultancy aan derden.

Minister Jetten tijdens een rondleiding door Carmabi’s Marine Education Centre. Fotocredit: Berber van Beek.

Minister Jetten kreeg tijdens zijn bezoek een uitgebreide presentatie van Stokkermans en Hameete. “Tijdens de presentatie hebben we de minister uitgebreid kunnen informeren over de verschillende werkzaamheden die Carmabi op het eiland uitvoert, waaronder onderzoek en onderwijs”, zegt Hameete, “maar ook hebben we hem meer kunnen vertellen over de lokale milieuproblematiek waarmee we als eiland worden geconfronteerd, zoals het ontbreken van afvalwaterzuivering voor chemisch afvalwater, de rioolproblematiek en de gevolgen van overbevissing op ons koraal-ecosysteem. Met dit bezoek wordt duidelijk gemaakt dat de wil om te komen tot een samenwerking, om onze uitdagingen op het gebied van klimaat, milieu en energie het hoofd te bieden, een gevolg krijgt.”

Na de presentatie kreeg de delegatie een rondleiding over het terrein van Carmabi waarbij de Minister een bezoek bracht aan het Research Center, Marine Education Center (MEC) en de bibliotheek. Aan het eind van het bezoek kreeg de minister het stripboek ‘Coral Heroes’ mee, dat geschreven is in het Nederlands en Papiamentu.

Van links naar rechts: Nina Zander (Beleidsadviseur DCNA), Cor Hametee (Hoofd Natuur- en Milieueducatie van CARMABI), Rob Jetten (Minister van Klimaat en Energie) en Paul Stokkermans (Directeur CARMABI). Fotocredit: Berber van Beek

De Minister bezocht, voordat hij naar Aruba afreisde, Bonaire, waar hij onder meer door de Mangrove Maniacs en de Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) door het mangrovebos van Bonaire werd begeleid. “Als DCNA vinden we het geweldig om te zien dat de minister meerdere Nederlandse Caribische eilanden bezoekt om de verschillen in onder andere cultuur, problematiek en behoeften te begrijpen. We ondersteunen de oproep van de Minister tot samenwerking binnen het Koninkrijk”, zegt Nina, beleidsadviseur van DCNA.

Diamars dia 16 di mei 2023 Minister di Clima y Energia, Drs. Rob Jetten y su delegacion a bishita fundacion Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (CARMABI) na Corsou.  Aki, Paul Stokkermans (director di CARMABI), Cor Hameete (Hefe di Educacion di Naturalesa y Medio ambiente di CARMABI) y Nina Zander (Consehero di maneho di Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance – DCNA) a yama Paul Stokkerman bon bini. Señor Stokkermans y Señor Hametee a introduci CARMABI na Minister y su delegacion, tanto pa un presentacion como pa un recorido door di e edificio di CARMABI, mustrando tur trabou importante cu nan ta ehecuta aki.

Minister Jetten and Jonas de Graaf (Advisor Representation of the Netherlands on CAS-islands) during presentation. Photo credit: Berber van Beek.

Minister di Clima y Energia, Drs. Rob Jetten, tabata coanfitrion di e Conferencia Caribense di Clima y Energia na Aruba di dia 10 pa 12 di mei. Despues di e conferencia na Aruba, e delegacion a biaha bay Corsou. Diamars dia 16 di mei di 2023 e minister y su delegacion a bishita fundacion Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (CARMABI) na Corsou, na unda nan a woro ricibi pa Paul Stokkermans (director di CARMABI), Cor Hameete (Hefe di Educacion tocante Naturalesa y Medio ambiente di CARMABI) y Nina Zander (Consehero di maneho di Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance – DCNA).

E bishita a centra su mes den e impacto di e problemanan climatico na Corsou. “Tin varios problema ambiental local cu ta demasiado grandi pa e islanan, pero cu cua Reino lo por yuda, manera contaminacion cu ta bay for di tera pa lama”, Paul Stokkermans, director di Carmabi a bisa.

Carmabi ta un fundacion sin meta lucrativo cu ta activo na e isla di Corsou desde 1955. E organisacion a cuminsa como un instituto di investigacion di biologia marino, pero cu aña tambe a cuminsa enfoca riba conservacion di e parkenan natural y educacion di naturalesa y medio ambiente. E organisacion ta consisti di cinco parti:

• Investigacion;
• Maneho di parke riba tera;
• Maneho di parke di lama;
• Naturalesa y educacion ambiental;
• Conseho ecologico y conseho na tercero.

Minister Jetten during a tour through Carmabi’s Marine Education Centre. Photo credit: Berber van Beek.

Durante su bishita Minister Jetten a ricibi un presentacion extenso di señor Stokkermans y Señor Hameete. “Durante e presentacion nos por a informa e minister detayadamente tocante e diferente trabounan cu Carmabi ta ehecutando na e isla, manera investigacion y educacion”, Hameete ta bisa, “pero tambe nos por a conta mas tocante e problemanan ambiental local, cu nos ta enfrenta como isla, manera falta di tratamento di awa residual pa awa residual kimico, e problema di riool y e efectonan di sobrepesca den nos ecosistema di coral. E bishita ta demostra un compromiso di trahamento hunto pa enfrenta nos desafionan climatico, ambiental y energetico.”

From left to right: Nina Zander (Policy Advisor DCNA), Cor Hametee (Head Nature and Environment Education of CARMABI), Rob Jetten (Minister for Climate and Energy), and Paul Stokkermans (Director CARMABI). Photo credit: Berber van Beek

Despues di e presentacion e delegacion a realisa un recorido door e tereno di Carmabi durante cua e minister a bishita Centro di Investigacion, Centro di Educacion Marina (MEC) y e biblioteca. Na fin di e bishita e minister a ricibi e buki di strip “Heroenan di coral”, cu ta skirbi na Hulandes y na Papiamentu.

Prome cu el a biaha pa Aruba, e minister a bishita Boneiro, na unda, entre otro, el a haya un guia door di e mondi di palo di mangel di Boneiro dia 9 di mei di aña 2023 door di Mangrove Maniacs y Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA).

Djamars, 16 di mei 2023, e Minister di Klima i Energia, Drs. Rob Jetten, kompañá pa su delegashon a bishitá Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (CARMABI) na Kòrsou. Aki el a haña un bonbiní di parti di Paul Stokkermans (direktor di CARMABI), Cor Hameete (Hefe di Edukashon di Naturalesa i Medio Ambiente di CARMABI), i Nina Zander (Konsehero di Maneho di Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance – DCNA). Señor Stokkermans i señor Hametee a duna e Minister i su delegashon un introdukshon na CARMABI – tantu den forma di un presentashon komo un paseo den e edifisio di CARMABI, pa ilustrá tur e trabounan importante ku ta tuma lugá ei.

Minister Jetten and Jonas de Graaf (Advisor Representation of the Netherlands on CAS-islands) during presentation. Photo credit: Berber van Beek.

E Minister di Klima i Energia, Drs. Rob Jetten, tabata un di un anfitrionnan na e konferensia The Caribbean Climate & Energy Conference na Aruba di 10 pa 12 di mei. Despues di e konferensia na Aruba, e delegashon a bahia pa Kòrsou. Riba djamars 16 di mei 2023, e Minister huntu ku su delegashon a bishitá e fundashon Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (CARMABI) na Kòrsou, kaminda nan tabata risibí pa Paul Stokkermans (direktor di CARMABI), Cor Hameete (Hefe di Edukashon di Naturalesa i Medio Ambiente di CARMABI), i Nina Zander (Konsehero di Maneho di Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance – DCNA).

E enfoke di e bishita tabata riba e impakto di tópikonan di klima na Kòrsou. “Tin diferente problema lokal di medioambiente ku ta demasiado grandi pa e islanan, pero ku Reino hulandes lo por duna un man ku esakinan, manera e polushon ku ta move di riba tera drenta laman”, sr. Paul Stokkermans, direktor di Carmabi, a bisa.

Carmabi ta un fundashon non-profit ku ta aktivo riba e isla di Kòrsou for di 1955. E organisashon a start komo un instituto di investigashon biológiko marino, pero den kurso di añanan el a kuminsá duna atenshon tambe na konservashon di parkenan natural i na edukashon di naturalesa i medioambiente. E organisashon ta konsistí di sinku departamento:

• Investigashon;
• Maneho di parke terestre;
• Maneho di parke marino;
• Edukashon di naturalesa i medio ambiente;
• Servisio di Konseho i di Konsùltent na terser partido.

Minister Jetten during a tour through Carmabi’s Marine Education Centre. Photo credit: Berber van Beek.

Durante su bishita, Minister Jetten a risibí un presentashon en ekstenso di parti di Stokkermans ku Hameete. “Durante e presentashon, nos por a informá e Minister en detaye tokante e vários trabounan ku Carmabi ta ehekutá riba e isla, manera investigashon i edukashon,” Hameete a splika, “ademas nos por a splika su persona mas tokante e problemanan lokal di medioambiente, ku komo un isla nos ta konfrontá, manera e falta di tratamentu di awa shushi pa awa shushi kímiko, e problema di kloaka i e efektonan di peska eksesivo na nos sistema di koral. E bishita akí ta demostrá un kompromiso di traha huntu pa atendé ku nos retonan di klima, medioambiente i energia.”

From left to right: Nina Zander (Policy Advisor DCNA), Cor Hametee (Head Nature and Environment Education of CARMABI), Rob Jetten (Minister for Climate and Energy), and Paul Stokkermans (Director CARMABI). Photo credit: Berber van Beek

Despues di e presentashon, e delegashon a haña un paseo den e edifisio di Carmabi i durante esaki e Minister a bishitá e Sentro di Investigashon, e Sentro di Edukashon Marino (MEC), i e biblioteka. Na final di e bishita, a entregá e minister e buki di comic “Coral Heroes,” ku ta skirbí na hulandes i papiamentu.

Promé di a biaha pa Aruba, e Minister a bishitá Boneiru, kaminda ku el haña entre otro un paseo den e mondi di palu di mangel di Boneiru riba 9 di mei 2023, kompañá pa The Mangrove Maniacs i Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA).

Published in BioNews 65

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean. BioNews provides regular updates on science and nature projects as well as overviews of on-going research and monitoring efforts, long term projects, recent reports and publications.

In BioNews 64 you will find articles on:

• Co-funded by the EU's RESEMBID program and Wageningen University & Research, Pilot Project ‘Turning the Tide’ launches in Aruba
• Studies to understand the critical phases in juvenile conch biology
• The Mystery of the Mass Sea Urchin Die off Unraveled
• Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease in the Dutch Caribbean
• Rays of Hope: Strengthening Conservation Efforts for Manta Rays

You will also find up to date overviews of:

• Recent reports and publications
• Current research, monitoring and long term programs

You can sign-up here or send an email to research@DCNAnature.org and we will be happy to add you to our mailing list.

For previous versions, please check the BioNews archive

*This newsletter was published by DCNA and funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean. BioNews provides regular updates on science and nature projects as well as overviews of on-going research and monitoring efforts, long term projects, recent reports and publications.

In BioNews 63 you will find articles on:

• Restoring Balance: Catchment Wide Conservation Methods for Mangrove Ecosystems
• Invasive Coralita Threatens Biodiversity Dutch Caribbean
• Slithering Settlers: The Story of Aruba's Boa Situation
• Parrotfish: Important Coral Reef Keepers

You will also find up to date overviews of:

• Recent reports and publications
• Current research, monitoring and long term programs

You can sign-up here or send an email to research@DCNAnature.org and we will be happy to add you to our mailing list.

For previous versions, please check the BioNews archive

*This newsletter was published by DCNA and funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).