Princess Beatrix Visits STINAPA Bonaire

The Princess is being presented to the employees of the Washington-Slagbaai National Park. Photo: STINAPA

Kralendijk- STINAPA Bonaire says to be very proud that Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix, as patron of our partner Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, accepted STINAPA’s invitation for a working visit to Bonaire.

The visit of the former Queen of the Netherlands kicks off a very special start of the year 2019! Next year is a significant year for nature conservation on Bonaire. STINAPA is celebrating the 50 year anniversary of the Washington Slagbaai National Park , the 40 year anniversary of the Bonaire National Marine Park. Additionally, 20 years ago Klein Bonaire was made into a protected area under the management of STINAPA, and the STINAPA Bonaire Junior Rangers Program has been a success for 10 years in their current form. Many reasons for celebrating an extra special year for nature conservation on Bonaire in 2019!

The common denominator of the working visit is: Good nature management is crucial for Bonaire, for 3 reasons: – good nature management means jobs for thousands of Bonaireans – good nature management is our defense against climate change – good nature management is key for the future of Bonaire: nos ta biba di naturalesa – nature is our livelihood. STINAPA is proud and very pleased to welcome Her Royal Highness to our offices and to take her on a tour around the Washington Park. The visit concludes with the Princess observing the annual STINAPA Junior Ranger debate for which this year’s topic is: ‘Does sustainable development help or hinder the economic growth of Bonaire’.

STINAPA says in a press release that they are quite grateful to all partners who helped put this visit together, and special gratitude to Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix and her team for supporting nature, education and the youths on Bonaire!