STENAPA speaking about nature conservation with Princess Beatrix | THE DAILY HERALD

Princess Beatrix (right), speaking with (from left) STENAPA park ranger Rupnor “Jobo” Redan, marine park manager Jessica Berkel and director Erik Bowman, at STENAPA’s main office.

  ST. EUSTATIUS–Some of St. Eustatius National Park’s STENAPA’s efforts in nature conservation were highlighted to Princess Beatrix when she visited the island last week Friday and stopped by STENAPA’s main office.

  Marine Park Manager Jessica Berkel spoke with Princess Beatrix about Statia’s Marine Park which is one of the busiest in the Kingdom. She explained that this is a challenge because “we have so many stakeholders in that small space.”

  Talks also centred on sea turtles, which are critically endangered, and on STENAPA’s efforts to protect them.

  Princess Beatrix asked about invasive species on the island, such as the lionfish, which she said was a beautiful fish.

  “We agreed about the beauty of the fish, and I stated that STENAPA has a long-running programme, so they are under control here,” Berkel said.

  STENAPA Marine Park Ranger Rupnor “Jobo” Redan informed the royal visitor about the nature organisation’s efforts to protect the endangered lesser Antillean iguana on the island.

  “Princess Beatrix asked about other protected and endangered species here on the island, and we told her about the red-bellied racer snake and the bridled quail dove, both of which were affected by the big hurricanes due to loss of habitat,” Berkel said.

Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/93437-stenapa-speaking-about-nature-conservation-with-princess-beatrix

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