The islands of the Dutch Caribbean have a great wealth of biological diversity. They host over a hundred species that are unique to one of the islands and are not found anywhere else in the world (endemic species). They also provide a refuge for dozens of animal or plant species that are endangered worldwide and a variety of worldwide-endangered ecosystems. The surrounding waters and coastal areas of the islands are rich in mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. (red. Saba News Jan. 18, 2021)
It’s of great importance to maintain the environment both above and below the water surface carefully. Therefore Saba and St. EustaKus has started a major environmental project to reduce erosion and safeguard endangered reefs around the two islands. The project will include the reforestaKon of areas stripped bare of vegetaKon due to land erosion caused by heavy rainfall mainly in hurricane season. By means of below-ground aquifers in denuded areas to slow and redirect water it will help reforestaKon and will also restrict the release of sediment onto surrounding coral reefs.
With the support of the European Union, St. EustaKus NaKonal Parks FoundaKon Stenapa and the Saba ConservaKon FoundaKon SCF also will collaborate on the culKvaKon of plants and training potenKal new beekeepers for increasing biodiversity, especially of pollinators such as bees not only for the benefit of nature but it will also help the agriculture sectors and will help improving the islands’ food security and hurricane resilience. The whole project will improve the ecosystem services, the biodiversity and the economic resilience of Saba and StaKa.