Nisbeth: Green groups’ advice
should be sought more often
COLE BAY--The continued rapid development of St. Maarten, especially its coastline, can be better managed to protect nature and property, but the first step is gathering advice from green, non-government organisations, said Beverly Nisbeth, Nature Foundation Marine Park Manager.
“The rate of development on the island is of growing concern to Nature Foundation. We believe the rules for environmental conservation and protection should be stricter,” she said.
While the input of Nature Foundation and other green NGOs are sometimes sought by government, there should be a more structured consultation, Nisbeth added. “Government should reassess all building permits pending for approval so we can protect and manage what is left [of nature].”
In the past year, since she took up her post, Nisbeth said the foundation has served as an advisory body on certain development projects but the need has grown more urgent for a permanent advisory body from which the advice of all green NGOs can be channelled. “There is a niche to be filled.”
Nature Foundation, established in 1997, is still awaiting a sustainable way of generating income to manage the island’s marine park, which encompasses the waters of the Dutch side. The tool needed is the adoption of the Marine Park Ordinance by the island council.
Until the ordinance is adopted and publicised, the foundation cannot collect diving, mooring and fishing fees, among others. At present, the foundation operates on donations and grants which are swiftly depleting.
The small subsidy received from government is not enough to keep the foundation afloat so if the ordinance is not approved and enforced soon, the organisation will face an even more dreadful financial situation.
