A nature reserve in Sint Maarten?
Sint Maarten could soon have its first terrestrial nature reserve. The government is planning to set aside nearly 17 hectares for the protection of biodiversity in the Cul-de-Sac area, near Emilio Wilson Park. A project that has been awaited for several decades, but which still has several stages to go through before it can become a reality.
On 21 October, the Minister for VROMI (the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure of Sint Maarten), Patrice Gumbs, announced that nearly 17 hectares of land, previously subject to a private long-term lease, had been returned to the government. Located in the Golden Rock and Industry areas of Cul-de-Sac, these plots – known as ‘Rainforest Land’ – could become Sint Maarten’s first terrestrial nature reserve. The island is currently the last of the Dutch Caribbean islands not to have such a protected area.
Preserving biodiversity and reducing flooding
Beyond the protection of flora and fauna, this future park would offer several environmental benefits. In particular, preserving the vegetation on the hills would help to minimise the risk of flooding, lower temperatures and curb the run-off of sediment towards the coral reefs. A study carried out in 2014 by UNESCO had, in fact, identified this area as particularly suitable for rainwater management.
The site could also become a new destination for exploration and leisure for both residents and visitors, with the development of activities such as hiking, birdwatching and guided tours. It would also contribute to the conservation of endemic species, notably the bearded anole, a lizard found nowhere else in the world.
Whilst the return of the land is a first step, no timetable for implementation has yet been announced. The management arrangements for the future park and its legal status also remain to be defined. Minister Patrice Gumbs plans to bring together the various stakeholders to determine the conditions for managing this natural area. Its official protection is expected to be incorporated into the revision of the Nature Ordinance, which is currently being drafted.
The Nature Foundation, which has been campaigning for many years for the creation of a terrestrial park on Sint Maarten, has expressed its support for the project and its willingness to take part in the consultations. The challenge now is to turn this ambition into reality.
