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CNSI Director Johan Stapel with one of his lesson boxes for schools.
ST. EUSTATIUS–Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute (CNSI) is to intensify its efforts in promoting the natural assets of St. Eustatius on the island as well as abroad. CNSI already runs a nature awareness programme and Director Johan Stapel has announced that this programme includes a large outreach campaign that involves the St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation Stenapa.
“The Wolf Report that carried out an estimate of the monetary value of the Island’s nature assets has been inspirational,” Stapel explained. “Assets such as diving, fishing, waters and nature trails were valued in 2013 by Wolf at US $25 million. Whereas the true value of nature is in the eyes of the beholder, the need to protect and promote it are very real.”
Various steps have already been taken by the Institute to explore such a need. A recent workshop of stakeholders debated the economic value of Statia’s nature. “The hurricanes last September temporarily wiped out US $4.5 to US $5 million from the nature balance sheet of the Historical Gem,” Stapel remarked.
“Mother Nature has many ways to regenerate itself but time is not always timely. Hurricanes in the past typically caused serious damage to Statia’s ecosystems. Nevertheless, today recovery is more often dependant on human nature than mother nature. It calls for an integrated approach addressing crucial interactions between land and sea, people and nature.”
One way to stimulate an appreciation for nature is through education. CNSI has developed various lesson boxes for local schools. The lesson boxes are complete with samples, diagrams, instruction tips and photo materials. “They have been designed to capture enthusiasm for the fascinating flora and fauna that abound on Statia,” said Stapel.
CNSI organised these lesson boxes together with the Dutch Naturalis Museum for Natural History. Plans are to conduct a workshop with local teachers to discover the educational support that such teaching aids could provide.
Stapel explained that CNSI is working closely with Stenapa to identify common areas of scientific interest to support conservation and outreach work.
“CNSI was created to provide a facilitating role for research and education for a wide spectrum of disciplines relevant to the sustainability of tropical small island economies,” Stapel maintained. “St. Eustatius has a unique landscape of wonderful natural treasures. However, there is still much to be discovered at home and much to be communicated abroad. Together with Stenapa, we aim to achieve all that.”
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/75116-cnsi-to-spread-awareness-on-nature-at-home-abroad
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