HRH Princess Beatrix highlights nature conservation and community efforts in Saba and Sint Maarten
Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA)Sint Maarten
During her time in Sint Maarten on November 13th and 14th, the Princess will visit Emilio Wilson Park, where she will attend a spoken word event with poems, stories, and monologues about native and invasive species. They affect the natural areas of their islands, but can also become ‘nature’s defenders'. The Princess will also plant a native tree in the park, emphasizing the importance of nature conservation. At Milton Peters College, she will join a lesson on Marine Spatial Planning hosted by the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten (NFSXM), supporting sustainable marine management. The Princess will also tour EPIC’s Perpetual Plastics Program, a local recycling initiative, where she will hear from the NFSXM’s Junior Rangers about the impact of plastic waste.
During November 14, HRH Princess Beatrix will take a short stroll along the recently completed Salt Pond boardwalk to learn about the local birds. She will also take a short boat trip along Mullet Bay, the only RAMSAR site on the island, to learn about the importance of the local mangroves. She will also get to visit Little Key, an area at the heart of new proposed legislation which would make this area the first protected nature park on Sint Maarten.
Saba
On November 15 in Saba, the Princess will visit the Saba Conservation Foundation’s (SCF) Saba Research Center, maritime research laboratory where researchers from Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences and Wageningen University explain the value of sea urchin breeding efforts aiding coral restoration. At Queen Wilhelmina Park, she will unveil a new nameplate for the Jantje Beton community space and meet with local children involved in the renovation. Her visit will also include the Botanical Garden, where Junior Rangers will demonstrate reforestation efforts, and the youth center The Spot, where discussions will focus on Unicef’s Child Friendly Cities project.
“We are privileged to welcome HRH Princess Beatrix, whose dedication to nature conservation aligns with our mission to preserve the unique natural heritage of Sint Maarten and Saba,” said Arno Verhoeven of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance. “Her visit is a testament to the importance of community involvement in safeguarding our natural environment.”
The importance of nature education and conservation
HRH Princess Beatrix’s visit underscores the importance of nature education and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean, while also supporting community well-being through social projects. Her presence is a reflection of her dedication to the natural environment and local communities. As DCNA continues its focus on strengthening nature education efforts, this visit highlights its need in order to achieve greater impact with nature conservation on the islands. DCNA has developed its Approach to Education which will drive the efforts of nature education through its alliance partners. The hope is to instill an appreciation for nature while creating environmental stewards in the Dutch Caribbean.
Text: Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance
Photos: Kai Wulf; Rostislav Stach