Oranjestad, St. Eustatius -Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality Carola Schouten visited St Eustatius National Parks Foundation STENAPA on Wednesday September 4th during her working visit to the island.
She and her delegation met with Marine Park Manager Jessica Berkel to discuss the dilemmas that threaten nature and Statians alike, and possible solutions.
Some of the issues discussed were the release of high sedimentation in run-off during heavy rains that either bury corals or blot out the sun, the lack of a tree ordinance that protects the trees on the island and the efforts put into reforesting the siland.
Also discussed were the lack of spatial zoning in the marine park; the need to include other areas in the water catchment project over time; and the pressure that roaming animals (owned and unowned).
The discussion focused on the need to find a long-term working solution to remove roaming animals while other necessary projects are rolled out.
Schouten gave her commitment to STENAPA and Government to work together in finding a solution to these problems.
In closing, Jessica Berkel invited Carola Schouten to send a representative to the upcoming Financial Sustainability Workshop in November.
