Page 13 - AHATA

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Thursday 7 November 2019

Presentations, Workshops and Excursions Provide New Nature

Conservation Drive in Participants

KRALENDIJK, BONAIRE — During accessible it is made through the
the 2019 edition of the Dutch Ca- developed methodologies.” Jes-
ribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) sica Berkel (STENAPA-St. Eustatius).
convention held on Bonaire ear-
lier this week, biologists from the Public lecture creates mixed feel-
region met to thoroughly discuss ings amongst attendees
coral restoration, the Coral Action The public lecture held on Mon-
Plan, the (citizen) science platform day night caused mixed feelings
Observation.org and the next call amongst those in attendance.
for research proposals from the Based on scientific standards, the
Dutch Organization for Scientific status of the coral reefs in the Dutch
Research (NWO). Caribbean is moderate to very un-
favorable. This means that urgent
In addition to attending presenta- measures need to be taken.
tions and workshops, the biologists The main consideration is that the
from, among others, the six nation- status of the coral reefs are cru-
al parks of the Dutch Caribbean cial for the sustainable prosperity
also went on an excursion to gain of the islands in the long term. The
first-hand experience on the coral willpower to take action and pre-
restoration work of the Reef Re- vent further decline of coral reefs tion organization. They represent to give input for possible future in-
newal Foundation on Bonaire. is therefore very strong at this mo- a useful source of knowledge and ter- island collaboration possibilities
ment. In the coming years, the contribute to the protection of the with the BES-islands. Optimization
In-depth information on coral re- DCNA will also focus on coral re- reported species. For more infor- of New Research Projects Joseph
covery covery. Hans Verdaat presented mation, contact research@dcna- Stuefer and Niels van den Berg
The park biologists are now better how the free website DutchCarib- nature.org. from the Dutch Organization for
informed on when and how to ap- bean.Observation.org and related Scientific Research (NWO) gave
ply coral restoration methods since apps could be used by the nature Exploring inter-island collaboration an update on the upcoming call
the presentations and workshops conservation organizations of the possibilities for scientific research proposals in
represented a unique opportunity Dutch Caribbean. This free website Arjan de Groene of World Wildlife the Dutch Caribbean. This work-
to learn from each other’s knowl- and these free apps can be used Fund (WWF-NL) gave a workshop shop also provided a valuable
edge and experiences. This newly not only by biologists but also by on the Nature Policy Plan including platform for local organizations to
gained knowledge will undoubted- all citizens to report animals and the Coral Action Plan that is under discuss the desired approach and
ly benefit the work carried out on plants. development for the BES islands. results of research projects through
the other islands. “It is very inspiring They are furthermore available in The workshop provided a valuable which they can improve the man-
to see what is already being done more than 40 languages. The web- platform for the participants to give agement of nature parks and pro-
on Bonaire and to learn from the site is now also being translated to input on how to successfully imple- tect vulnerable areas and animals.
experiences of the other islands. It Papiamentu. The species reports ment this plan and for the other For more information, please con-
is also very insightful to learn about by local communities are very three Dutch Caribbean islands tact DCNA: (+599) 717-5010 or re-
the available knowledge and how valuable for the nature conserva- Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten search@dcnanature.org. q

Join the locals for a night full of culture, arts and fun

SAN NICOLAS — Join the locals authentic local and Caribbean
for a night full of culture, arts and dishes. There is also a great assort-
fun in Aruba’s Sunrise City for the ment of local snacks and lots of
monthly event ‘Meet San Nicolas’. Aruban-style cakes and sweets.
This free entrance event starts at Mingle with the locals and enjoy
06:30 PM till 10 PM in the prome- some food, drinks, art, dancing
nade of San Nicolas. and feel the good vibes! Take
a walk and admire the amaz-
San Nicolas is Aruba's most south ing murals created by Aruba Art
eastern district, called by many Fair. Dance the night away at the
"Chocolate City" or "Sunrise City". sound of the Steelband and the
It's where you will find and meet Carnival dancers.
the most Caribbean atmosphere Head up to San Nicolas tonight
that Aruba has to offer. The sole and see for yourself why they call
purpose of this event is to gather this ‘The people’s choice public
our visitors and locals and let them gathering event’.
get to know the real San Nicolas.
Here you will find a great variety souvenirs, most of it made and The promenade will be lined with For more information check out
of the best homemade food, pas- prepared by San Nicolas residents arts & crafts tables and a variety the Facebook page Meet San
tries and real local handmade themselves. of food vendors, most offering Nicolas. q