Our Work in St. Eustatius
WWF-NL has funded several projects of STENAPA to maintain or restore the balance between humans and nature. In 2023 and 2024, the Sea & Learn Foundation (SLF) realized an educational program in St. Eustatius in collaboration with STENAPA. Scientists conducted full days and nights of activities. The experts provided dynamic hands-on field projects and powerful presentations that raised community awareness and discussions.
Awareness
This program aimed to boost awareness about the environment by inviting international experts to Statia. The goal was to encourage everyone to become a citizen scientist and better understand the island’s nature, including specific species reflecting its biodiversity and climate change. SLF set up a platform where people could engage with scientists, join presentations, and empower local students and elders.
Field project during the Sea & Learn program
our current projects
Other Finished Projects
- Pilot study on the black sea urchin
- Support of STENAPA’s strategy
- Research into nests of endangered iguanas (via the Biodiversity Fund)
- Supporting the government with the creation of goat management plan
- Sustainable fisheries (supply chain analysis, social mapping, financing set-up of local fisheries coop)
- Writing agreements between the local government and STENAPA
- Support STENAPA in drafting Nature and Fisheries Legislation together with the Public Entity St. Eustatius
- Setting up STENAPA’s communication program
- Support STENAPA in legally preserving and establishing marine park boundaries threatened by the amendment to allow tankers to anchor in the park.
One of the finished projects is the Sustainable Financing Study. Between 2019 and 2021, Wolfs Company supported the Saba Conservation Foundation, STENAPA , and the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten in developing plans to improve their long-term financial sustainability. This work began with a mentoring and advisory program funded by WWF-NL and the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA). Since 2020, DCNA has continued to provide follow-up support to help put these financing strategies into action.
Gilboa Hill © Mike Harterink
The study showed that the current funding available to the parks is not enough to fully cover the activities needed to protect the islands’ valuable ecosystems. Although the parks receive money through grants, government subsidies, donations, DCNA contributions, and entrance or activity fees, this still falls short. To help close this gap, several new financing options were explored for each island. These solutions could involve public institutions or private organizations working together to create a more secure and resilient future for nature conservation in the Dutch Caribbean.
Read the entire studies for more information.
Sustainable Financing Study STENAPA
