DCNA has been actively promoting a nature-focused agenda in the Netherlands and internationally.
Whether it’s championing for the Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary, establishing new partnerships, or pushing for a Climate Action Plan, 2022 has been a banner year for improved nature conservation efforts within the Dutch Caribbean.
One of the many goals of DCNA is to promote policy and advocacy work, both within The Netherlands and internationally. Together with DCNA board members, the conservation network organization has been actively engaging politicians and policymakers to stress the importance of nature conservation within the Dutch Caribbean. Below are a few highlights from the past few months of this important work.
Yarari Sanctuary Implementation Act
The Dutch Council finally approved the implementation act for the Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary of Ministers on Friday, July 8th. This was an important next step in protecting sharks, whales, and dolphins in Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius waters. Since the designation of the Yarari sanctuary in 2015, DCNA has been actively involved in drafting the implementation act. The organization is pleased to see the Sanctuary’s governance structure finally being implemented.
New Collaborations
In June, Blue Marine Foundation invited DCNA to London to meet Lord Zach Goldsmith, Minister for the Pacific and the Environment, to discuss the UK’s Blue Belt Programme. The support program for the UK’s Overseas Territories assists fisheries monitoring and control. Together with the Blue Marine Foundation, DCNA is exploring if a program could be replicated in the Dutch Caribbean.
Climate Action Plan
In May, DCNA Director Tadzio Bervoets and DCNA Chair Hellen van der Wal presented its Climate Action Plan for the Dutch Caribbean to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Kingdom relations (BZK) and the Ministry for Climate. The hope is for the Dutch Government to work with stakeholders on climate-proofing the Dutch Caribbean actively. The plan was also presented to Members of Parliament Jorien Wuite en Lammert van Raan during a Masterclass held at Pulchri Studio in The Hague.
DCNA will continue to work actively to push forward more structured support for Nature Conservation within the Dutch Caribbean. There are several promising new projects, such as aiding in implementing the Nature and Environment Policy Plan BES and the upcoming Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) of the Specifically Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) protocol.
(Source: DCNA – From left to Right: DCNA Director Tadzio Bervoets and DCNA Chair, Dr. Hellen van der Wal presenting the Dutch Caribbean Climate Plan to the Director General for Kingdom Relations, Mr. Henk Brons, Photo by Irene Kingma)
