Royal visit to highlight conservation and restoration efforts in Saba and Sint Maarten

During her visit, H.R.H. Princess Beatrix engaged in a series of activities that showcased both ecological and educational efforts across the two islands.

Sint Maarten

The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten (NFSXM) played a central role during the royal visit, serving as the primary guide through nature-related activities for Princess Beatrix and showcasing the island's most impactful environmental initiatives. The visit began with a youth-led spoken word event at Emilio Wilson Park. Here young participants expressed their creativity through stories and poems on the themes of invasive species and nature conservation – corresponding to the topic of the recently launched fourth edition of BioNews Kids. DCNA creates this educational magazine to inspire environmental stewardship among children.

At Milton Peters College, Princess Beatrix attended a session on Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), an essential tool for sustainable management of marine resources. Students presented their experiences as stakeholders negotiating the use of marine ecosystems, demonstrating the critical role MSP plays in balancing conservation with human activities. The session underscored the significance of youth engagement in marine protection and was part of the CORENA Project, supported by RESEMBID.

Later, at EPIC’s Perpetual Plastics Project, the Princess observed community-driven recycling efforts, transforming plastic waste into reusable products. Junior Rangers shared insights into the environmental impacts of plastic pollution and emphasized the importance of recycling. This initiative exemplifies how community and youth involvement can address pressing environmental challenges while promoting sustainability.

Day two included a visit to Great Salt Pond, where Princess Beatrix was able to explore the bird observation platform and boardwalk, a key initiative of the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten as part of its 'Birding and Ecotourism' project. Guided by Cornelis (Binkie) van Es, NFSXM Chair, the Princess learned about local bird species and the cultural and ecological importance of the area. This project not only promotes environmental awareness and accessibility to nature but also highlights the need for community support and education, particularly after a recent incident of unauthorized mangrove deforestation, emphasizing the urgency of preserving this area. 

The Princess also joined a boat tour through Simpson Bay, visiting Mullet Pond, the island’s only Ramsar-recognized wetland, and stopping at Little Key, where mangrove restoration is underway. The tour underscored the important role of mangroves in coastal protection and biodiversity. The visit culminated with the signing of a letter of intent to designate Little Key as Sint Maarten’s first terrestrial protected area under NFSXM’s management, marking a significant step forward in the island’s conservation efforts.

Saba 

On Saba, Princess Beatrix was hosted by the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF) for a series of inspiring visits showcasing the island's innovative conservation efforts. At the Saba Research Center, the Princess toured the Caribbean’s first sea urchin hatchery, where researchers from Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences and Wageningen University and Research are cultivating and releasing herbivorous sea urchins to aid in coral reef restoration. These sea urchins, once abundant but devastated by disease in the 1980s, play a critical role in maintaining healthy reefs by grazing on algae that would otherwise smother coral colonies. This groundbreaking initiative is a vital step in protecting Saba’s marine ecosystems amid the growing threats of climate change and environmental degradation.

Later, at SCF’s Botanical Garden, Princess Beatrix participated in the ReLeaf Project, an initiative aimed at reducing erosion, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting food security through reforestation. Guided by SCF staff and the Junior Rangers, she learned about the garden's diverse nursery of native and endemic plants as well as fruit trees. The Princess joined the Junior Rangers in deploying 'seed bombs' containing native plant seeds, contributing to efforts to restore local flora and improve ecosystem resilience. The activity underscored the important role of youth in conservation as the Junior Rangers presented what they’ve been learning about environmental stewardship, from reforestation practices to the importance of native plants.

Keys to success

The royal visit highlighted the dedication of organizations like the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and its partners the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten, and the Saba Conservation Foundation, whose initiatives protect the islands' natural habitats through education, restoration, and active community involvement. DCNA’s approach to nature education – rooted in the values of sustainable living and stewardship – supports conservation management organizations across the Dutch Caribbean. By equipping communities with the tools and knowledge to care for their ecosystems, these organizations are cultivating the next generation of environmental leaders.

"Education and outreach are foundational to conservation", said Arno Verhoeven, director of DCNA. "This visit by Princess Beatrix brings much-needed attention to the work being done and reinforces the importance of empowering local communities to protect their natural heritage".

The Princess’s visit emphasized the pressing need for sustainable funding, community involvement, and policy support to address the environmental challenges facing the Dutch Caribbean. By bringing conservation efforts to the forefront, this visit has inspired a renewed commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the islands for generations to come.

DCNA

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) is a collaborative network uniting the park and conservation management organizations across the six Dutch Caribbean islands, each dedicated to preserving the region’s unique marine and terrestrial environments. These organizations work tirelessly to protect local wildlife and promote conservation through education and research. Formed nearly twenty years ago to enhance collective strength, DCNA supports local conservation efforts through its secretariat, which assists with project coordination, fundraising, capacity building, communication, education, and policy advocacy. Together, DCNA and its partners play a vital role in safeguarding the Dutch Caribbean’s ecosystems for future generations.

Nature Foundation Sint Maarten

Founded in 1997, the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten is the island’s leading environmental conservation organization, dedicated to protecting its rich terrestrial and marine biodiversity, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. Through the CORENA project, the foundation launched the Junior Ranger Program, engaging youth in hands-on activities like hiking, snorkeling, and birdwatching while building environmental awareness and outdoor skills. Participants can even earn scuba diving certifications, fostering the next generation of environmental leaders. While the program concludes in November, the foundation is seeking funding to ensure its continuation.

EPIC Sint Maarten

Since 2007, Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) Sint Maarten has focused on conserving critical habitats such as wetlands, bird sanctuaries, and coastal ecosystems. The organization is a leader in bird conservation, monitoring migratory species and promoting sustainable tourism. EPIC also involves the community through education programs and citizen science projects, collaborating with local and international partners to ensure long-term environmental stewardship on Sint Maarten.

Saba Conservation Foundation

Established in 1987, the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF) manages Saba's key protected areas, including the Saba National Marine Park, Mount Scenery National Park, and the Saba Bank National Park, a marine biodiversity hotspot. SCF serves as a government advisor and leads efforts in ecosystem restoration, research facilitation, and nature education. Its work preserves Saba’s unique natural systems, blending conservation with sustainable use of marine and terrestrial resources.

Text: Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA)
Photo's: Adam Watkins; Lili Peterson; Jacco Backx and Tom Brokke