Protected Areas: site description and value statements
Aruba
Parke Nacional Arikok
Parke Naçional Arikok was established in 2000 to protect a terrestrial area of
3,400 hectares (8,400 acres) including desert/shrub, dry forest, sand dunes
and sandy shores. The protected area has extensive cave systems that contain
freshwater environments as well as culturally valuable pre-Colombian
paintings and sites. The area and shoreline is a home, migratory stopover and
breeding site for 56 IUCN Red List species, eight CITES Appendix I species and
237 CITES Appendix II species as well as the endemic ‘Cascabel’ or Aruba
Island Rattlesnake. Parke Naçional Arikok attracts many local and
international visitors every year and helps contribute to the income of the
island’s population employed in restaurants, hotels and other services.
The protected area is located in the east of Aruba with most of the hilliest
parts of the island located within the park's boundaries, including Aruba's
highest hill, Mt. Jamanota (188 metres). The protected area is unofficially
divided into four zones (these zones have yet to be ratified by the
government):
 The northern and southern areas are highly sensitive areas and
have controlled access. Cars are not permitted to enter the
southern zone and any other activities that may cause disturbance
are banned. The northern zone is accessible to motorized vehicles
under controlled conditions.
 The middle area is a multi-use zone for human activity. It
incorporates the main road (a loop) for cars, which leads to a
number of cultural and historical landmarks as well as the protected
area’s main natural points of interest (Dos Playa, Boca Druif).
 The "transition zone" is located on the outskirts of the three other
zones. It aims to provide a buffer zone that offers some control on
any development within one kilometre of the protected area’s
boundaries.
Value statement
Parke Naçional Arikok was established in 2000 to protect a terrestrial area of
34.9 square kilometres including desert/shrub, dry forest, sand dunes and
sandy shores. The PA has extensive cave systems that contain freshwater
environments as well as culturally valuable pre-Colombian paintings and sites.
The area and shoreline is a home, migratory stopover and breeding site for
species that are internationally recognised for conservation, including two
IUCN Red List species (one critically endangered), two CITES Appendix I and 23
CITES Appendix II species, 24 island endemic species including the threatened
‘Cascabel’ or Aruba Rattlesnake, 38 locally endemic and 15 regionally endemic
species. Parke Naçional Arikok attracts many local and international visitors
every year and helps contribute to the income for the islands population
employed in restaurants, hotels and other services. The marine environment
around Aruba, none of which is currently protected, is a home to species
internationally recognised for conservation, including 54 Red List species and
six CITES Appendix I species and 214 CITES Appendix II species.
Bonaire
Washington Slagbaai National Park
Located in the northwest part of Bonaire, Washington Slagbaai National Park
is the first and the largest terrestrial protected area in the Dutch Caribbean. It
provides a safe habitat for the island’s native species such as the endemic
parrot (Lora), flamingos, parakeets and iguanas. Additionally, many species of
migratory birds from North America find shelter in the protected area during
their annual migrations and some species have become residents as well.
The parks 15 kilometres (9 miles) of shoreline form part of the Bonaire
National Marine Park and its beaches are important nesting sites for
Caribbean sea turtles. Originally inhabited by native Indians and later
comprising two of the largest and more productive plantations during the
colony times, the park is rich in cultural and historical heritage.
Value statement
Established 1969, Washington Slagbaai National Park protects 5,600 hectares
(13,838 acres) of habitats including desert/shrub, dry forest, sand dunes,
sandy shores and globally threatened mangroves. The area contains 2 former
plantations, which feature a rich diversity of cultural, historical and ecological
heritage. The area and shoreline is a home, migratory stopover and breeding
site for six IUCN Red List species, two CITES Appendix I species and 34 CITES
Appendix II species including the endemic parrot, the Lora. The Park attracts
around 40,000 local and international visitors every year and helps contribute
to the income for the islands population employed in restaurants, hotels and
other services.
Bonaire National Marine Park
The marine environment of Bonaire is unique as the island is a true oceanic
island, which is separated from the South American mainland by a deep-water
trench. The marine park was established in 1979 and has been under
continuous active management since 1991. It was recognised as a National
Park by the Central Government of the Netherlands Antilles in 1999 and has
been designated as a Demonstration Site by UNEP (United Nations
Environment Programme) and ICRAN (International Coral Reef Action
Network).
The Bonaire National Marine Park, which encircles the island and Klein
Bonaire, includes 2,700 hectares (6,672 acres) of globally threatened coral
reef, seagrass beds and mangrove ecosystems. Bonaire’s reefs are considered
the healthiest in the Caribbean according to data from the Atlantic and Gulf
Rapid Reef Assessment protocol. Bonaire’s marine environments are home to
251 globally endangered species including six which are on the IUCN Red list,
eight species on CITES Appendix I and 230 on CITES Appendix II.
Lac
Lac is unique in the Dutch Caribbean. Located on the windward shore of
Bonaire, it is the largest semi-enclosed bay in the Dutch Caribbean and
contains examples of all three threatened marine ecosystems: coral reefs,
seagrass beds and mangroves. A fringing barrier reef with stands of rare
Elkhorn Coral protects the bay from the high seas that routinely pound
Bonaire’s windward shore. Magnificent Frigatebirds nest here and the
mangroves provide a safe haven and roosting place for herons, egrets, stilts,
terns, flamingos, ospreys and pelicans. The seagrass beds are extensive and
together with the adjacent mangroves they form a critical nursery ground for
countless species of coral reef fish and invertebrates and a foraging ground
for Green Sea Turtles. Cushion Stars and conch can still be found amongst the
seagrasses as well as fields of pulsating upside-down jellyfish ‘Cassiopeia’.
Klein Bonaire
The entire uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire is managed by the Bonaire
National Marine Park and the sandy beach of No Name is particularly
important, not only as a tourism attraction but also as it is the most important
turtle-nesting site on Bonaire. Popular dive sites are located all around Klein
Bonaire but access to the island itself is limited and the only provisions for
tourism are two open huts that provide shade, BBQ pits and bins.
Overnighting is not permitted in order to safeguard the unspoilt natural
beauty of the island.
Value statement
The marine environment of Bonaire is unique in the Caribbean being one of
only four true oceanic islands separated from the South American mainland
by a deep-water trench. The marine park on Bonaire, which was established in
1979 and has been under active management since 1991, has been
recognised as a National Park by the Central Government of the Netherlands
Antilles and as a Demonstration site by UNEP (United Nations Environment
Programme) and ICRAN (International Coral Reef Action Network). It includes
2,700 hectares (6,672 acres) of globally threatened coral reef, seagrass and
mangrove ecosystems all of which are considered to be in excellent condition.
Bonaire’s reefs are considered the healthiest in the Caribbean according to
data from the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment protocol. Bonaire’s
marine environments include all five of the Ramsar sites within the
Netherlands Antilles and are home to globally endangered species including
59 on the IUCN Red list, eight species on CITES Appendix I and 230 on CITES
Appendix II. In 2010, 50,000 people registered to use the marine park and
around 200,000 people visited as cruise boat tourists.
Curaçao
Christoffel Park was established in 1978 and covers 1,860 hectares (4,600
acres) of wooded hills. The Christoffel Park is the largest terrestrial protected
area of Curaçao. The park has many species that are rare elsewhere on the
island, such as wild orchids and the Palabrua, a rare native Barn Owl species.
The Curaçao White-tailed Deer (of which only ~250 individuals are left) also
lives in the park. There are eight managed hiking trails, including one to the
top of Mt. Christoffel. Scenic roads that were asphalted in 2004 help visitors
find their way throughout the park. ‘Landhuis’ Savonet is situated within the
park and is one of the oldest plantation houses that remain on the island.
Shete Boka Park was established in 1994 and covers 200 hectares (495 acres).
It is an area adjoining the Christoffel Park bordering more than ten0
kilometres (six miles) of the rocky wave-exposed north coast of the island.
This stretch of coastline includes ten pocket beaches where three species of
sea turtles lay eggs. The most well-known inlet is Boka Tabla, which is
accessible by 4-wheel drive via on a dirt road. The road leads from Boka Tabla
across the desolate north coast to six smaller inlets: Boka Wandomi, Boka
Kortalein, Boka Plate, Boka Mansalina, Boka Djegu and Dos Boka. In addition,
there are two hiking trails.
Jeremi hill was established in 1999 and covers 233 hectares (575 acres). With
funding from the Dutch DOEN foundation, CARMABI bought this area
andadded it to the Christoffelpark because of the high number of rare plant
species that occur in this area.
Hato Caves, Kueba di Raton and Kueba di Yèchi cover three hectares (seven
acres) in total. Hato Caves are being managed as a tourist attraction by
CARMABI. The Kueba di Raton (mouse-cave) and the Kueba di Yèchi, are kept
closed and off limits to the public to protect the large number of endemic and
ecologically important bats living there.
Kabouterbos was established in 1997 and covers 13.2 hectares (33 acres). A
‘Green Area’ situated in the middle of a suburban area (between Cas Coraweg
and Jongbloed) is used mainly for recreation.
Daaibooi Beach was established in 1999 and covers 110 hectares (270 acres).
The beach and surrounding natural area are both known Loggerhead Turtle
nesting sites.
Flamingo Park Jan Kok was established in 1998 and covers 81.9 hectares (200
acres). It also includes part of plantation Hermanus, an area known as a saliña.
Midden Senpost was established in 1998 and covers 17 hectares (42 acres). A
hill top situated in the middle of a neighbourhood named Roi Santu that
has
been extensively reforested by CARMABI since 1998. More than 15 important
plant species have been successfully reintroduced to help restore the
ecological function of the area.
Value statement
The Christoffel Park (established 1978) and Shete Boka Park (established
1994) protect 2,293 hectares (5,670 acres) of habitats including desert/shrub,
dry forest and sandy shores. These parks were merged in 2013. The areas
consist of several former plantations and feature a rich diversity of cultural,
historical and ecological heritage. The area and shoreline is a home, migratory
stopover and breeding site for three IUCN Red List Species, one CITES
Appendix 1 species and 37 CITES Appendix 2 species as well as the endemic
White-tailed deer. The Parks attract around 35,000 local and international
visitors every year that help contribute to the income for the islands
population employed in restaurants, hotels and other services.
Curaçao Underwater Park
There is currently no active management of Curaçao Underwater Park. The
marine protected area was established in 1982 and covers 600 hectares
(1,480 acres). It runs along the southeast coast of the island, from Breezes
Hotel (formerly Princess Beach Hotel) to the most eastern point of the island.
It includes the healthiest reefs of the island and several inland bays with
mangroves and sea grass beds. CARMABI aims to have a balance between
recreation (in this case diving, water sports etc.) and protection of the reef.
(E.g. by placing buoys to prevent anchor damage). Spearfishing is not
prohibited in Curaçao waters.
Value statement
Although it is not currently actively managed, the Curaçao Marine Park covers
1,036 hectares (2,560 acres) of globally endangered habitats including
mangrove, seagrass beds, coral reef and open ocean. Curaçao Marine Park
was established to protect, maintain and/or improve the coral reefs and
associated marine ecosystems to safeguard them for the future. The park and
the entire coast of Curaçao is a home, migratory stopover and breeding site
for 61 IUCN Red List Species, nine CITES Appendix I species and 230 CITES
Appendix II species including whales, dolphins, turtles and hard coral species.
The Park and coastline of Curaçao attracts many local and international
visitors every year and helps contribute to the income for the islands
population employed in restaurants, hotels and other services.
Saba
Saba Terrestrial Park and Trails
The Saba Terrestrial Park has not been formally designated. It belonged to the
McNish Sulphur Mining Company and the land was donated to Saba
Conservation Foundation (SCF) in 1998, on the condition that it would forever
remain wild and developed as a national park. The area covers 43 hectares
(106 acres) and is located on the northern side of Saba. It consists of a deep
gorge, which runs from an altitude of 820 metres (2,690 feet) on Mount
Scenery down to the shoreline. The upper half of the gorge is known as Island
Gut, the bottom is called Deep Gut. Two ridges form Island and Deep Gut; the
eastern ridge is known as ‘Pirate Cliff’ and the western ridge ‘All Too far
Ridge’. The area contains biologically diverse rainforest, montane forest and
drought-resistant habitats.
Additionally, Saba has a network of 12 trails that circle the island reaching the
coast and the summit of Mt. Scenery, which Saba Conservation Foundation
maintains with support of the Island Government. These 15 kilomtres (9.3
miles) of trails offer some of the best hiking in the Caribbean with views of
neighbouring St. Eustatius and other islands through pristine forest that clings
to the slopes of the magnificent Mt. Scenery.
Value statement
The Saba Sulphur Mine Property (established 1999) and trails consist of 43
hectares of land as well as numerous walking routes. The areas include
habitats including dry forest, Elfin forest and some arable/pastoral land. The
area and trails have considerable historical, cultural and ecological values. The
areas and shoreline is a home, migratory stopover and breeding site for two
Red List species, one CITES Appendix I species and 37 CITES Appendix II
species as well as the endemic Saban Anole. The property and trails attract
many local and international visitors every year and help contribute to the
income for the islands population employed in restaurants, hotels and other
services.
Saba National Marine Park
The Saba National Marine Park was established in 1987 with the objective of
preserving and managing Saba's marine resources. The Marine Park was not
developed to repair a damaged environment but rather to ensure the
continued quality of an extraordinary resource for the benefit and enjoyment
of everyone. The Marine Park circles the entire island from the high-water
mark to a depth of 60 metres, including the seabed and overlying waters. A
zoning plan divides the marine park for various recreational and commercial
uses. A system of permanent mooring buoys facilitates diving and prevents
damage to corals. One of the few self-sustaining marine parks anywhere in
the world, the marine park raises revenue through visitor fees, souvenir sales,
and donations.
Value statement
The Saba National Marine Park includes more than 1,300 hectares of globally
threatened coral reef as well as seagrass habitat. Saba’s marine environment
and coastline is a home, migratory stopover or breeding site for 52 IUCN Red
List Species, seven CITES Appendix I species and 230 Appendix II species
including sea turtles and a number of shark species. The beaches and waters
attract around 23,000 visitors a year, creating employment for many of the
islands population. Saba National Marine Park is a UNEP target site because of
its success in promoting eco-tourism. Tourism contributes significantly to the
economy and depends on the well being of Saba’s marine resources.
Saba Bank National Park
Saba Bank NationalPark, established in 2010, protects an offshore atoll
covering 268,000 hectares (662,000 acres) — the third largest atoll of its kind
in the world. Saba Bank is a flat-topped seamount rising 1,800 meters (5,900
feet) from the sea floor, crowned by living coral reefs. The wealth of
biodiversity on the Saba Bank is astounding and includes sea turtles,
Humpback Whales, more than 200 species of fish and unique marine plants
found nowhere else in the Caribbean.
Value statement
The marine environment of the Saba Bank is 1,800 sqaure kilometres of
biologically diverse coral reef, macroalgae, rock pavement, sandy seabed, and
open ocean communities. The Bank is one of the, if not the, most diverse in
marine macroalgae in the Caribbean. The Saba Bank Management
Organization was established in 2008 to manage these marine resources for
the benefit and enjoyment of the people and future generations. The Saba
Bank Special Marine Area is a home, migratory stopover or breeding site for
52 IUCN Red Listed species and 230 Appendix II species including sea turtles
and a number of shark species. The Saba Bank is of high economic importance
to the island of Saba. It supports nine full-time fishermen and has a direct
economical value of over one million dollars a year.
St Eustatius
Quill Boven National Park
The Quill/Boven National Park was established in 1997 and was the first national
park to be declared in the Dutch Caribbean. The park is divided into two sections,
which are spatially separated. The northern park area is known locally as Boven
(Boven sub sector) and the southern park area is known as The Quill (Quill sub
sector). Adjacent to The Quill is a Botanical Garden, which is also managed by the
park.
The Boven sub-sector encompasses hills, which are the remnants of an extinct
volcano, on the northern side of the island. These include Boven, Bergje, Venus and
Gilboa Hills as well as Signal Hill. The total surface area is approximately 320 hectares
(790 acres).
The Quill sub sector includes the volcano above 250 metres (820 feet) as well as the
inside walls of the crater and the adjacent south-eastern side of the White
Wall/Sugar Loaf, a very prominent limestone intrusion on the south west of The
Quill. The total surface area is approximately 220 hectares (543 acres).
The Miriam Schmidt Botanical Garden is adjacent to the boundary of the Quill sub
sector of the National Park and extends for 5.3 hectares (13 acres) across the
southern slopes of the Quill. This land was granted as a lease from the Island
Government to STENAPA in 1999 and is subject to regulations controlling
development and access. The Garden is fenced to prevent entry by roaming
livestock.
Value Statement
Twenty-six per cent (540 hectares) of the terrestrial environment of St. Eustatius is
protected, including biologically diverse rainforest, Elfin forest and drought resistant
habitats. The Quill/Boven National Park and Botanical Garden offer some of the best
hiking in the Caribbean with views of neighbouring Saba and St. Kitts through
pristine forest that clings to the slopes of the magnificent Quill volcano. The
Quill/Boven National Park was established in 1997 to protect the islands natural
resources. The Botanical Garden was established in 1998 to preserve flora and serve
as an attraction for the island as well as place for locals and visitors to spend some
leisure time. The National Parks and St. Eustatius are a home, migratory stopover or
breeding site for three IUCN Red List species, one CITES Appendix I species and 42
Appendix II species including the endemic plant Statia Morning Glory (Ipomoea
sphenophylla) and many others plants and animal species with limited distribution.
The island has a rich history, evident as archaeological sites in the National Park
include a fort, 10 slave villages, industrial complexes, plantations and related roads
and walls from the 16th and 17th century. The Quill/Boven National Park and
Botanical Garden attract visitors contributing to income for the 70% of the islands
population employed in restaurants, hotels and other services
Statia National Marine Park
St. Eustatius National Marine Park was established in 1996, predating the land park
by one year. It encompasses the entire coastline of St. Eustatius from the high-water
mark to the 30-metre (98-feet) depth contour, covering an area of 27,500 hectares
(67,953 acres). The distance of the Marine Park boundary from shore varies between
one and 3 kilometres (0.62 and 1.86 miles) depending on the slope of the sea
bottom. Within the Marine Park are two welldefined and actively managed reserves
in which no fishing or anchoring are allowed. The reserves were established to
conserve marine biodiversity, restore fish stocks and promote sustainable tourism.
Value statement
The marine environment of St. Eustatius supports 27.5 square kilometres of
biologically diverse coral reef, seagrass, sandy seabed and open ocean communities.
The Marine Park is one of the top five sites in the Caribbean for healthy coral and
fish populations. The St. Eustatius National Marine Park was established in 1996 to
manage these marine resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the people and
future generations. The two reserves have 43% hard coral cover and the park is a
home, migratory stopover or breeding site for 53 IUCN Red List species, nine CITES
Appendix I species and 230 Appendix II species. St. Eustatius National Marine Park
attracts around 500 yacht visitors and 2500 diving/snorkelling visitors per year
contributing to income for the 70% of the islands population employed in
restaurants, hotels and other services
St Maarten
There are no terrestrial protected areas on St. Maarten at this time.
Three areas have been identified as having special conservation value on St.
Maarten. In 2008, a management planning process was undertaken for the
‘Proposed 2009 St. Maarten Land Parks’. They were given the collective name
of ‘St. Maarten Land Parks’.
The terrestrial environment of St. Maarten that is still intact includes
biologically diverse rainforest, drought resistant habitats and lagoons. From a
tourism perspective, St. Maarten terrestrial parks can offer excellent hiking
with views of the island and neighbouring Saba and St. Eustatius. The
proposed protected areas will help conserve and restore St. Maarten’s
natural, cultural and historical resources for the benefit of current and future
generations. St. Maarten and its habitats are a home, migratory stopover or
breeding site for two IUCN Red List species, one CITES Appendix I species and
34 Appendix II species including the 2 endemic plants, the endemic Anguilla
Bank Bush Anole (Anolis pogus) and many other plants and animal species
with limited distribution. St. Maarten terrestrial parks could attract visitors
and contribute to income for many people on the island employed in
restaurants, hotels and other services
Man of War Shoal Marine Park
The Man of War Shoal Marine Park covers 3,100 hectares (7,600 acres), which
is home and migratory stopover or breeding site for five IUCN Red List
Species, eight CITES Appendix I species and 230 Appendix II species. It is an
area with a relatively healthy population of marine mammals including
migratory whales and dolphins, numerous species of shark, sea turtles and
numerous fish species. The Man of War Shoal Marine Park also includes
Proselyte Reef, which was named after the HMS Proselyte, a 32-gun frigate
which struck the "Man of War Shoal" on September 4, 1801. Artefacts such as
large anchors, cannons, barrel hoops, cannon balls, and pottery are still
evident on this popular St. Maarten Dive site. The site is also considered a
marine archaeological treasure. Studies conducted by the St. Maarten Nature
Foundation have shown that biodiversity in the area is high as well as coral
cover. The economic value of the goods and services, which the coral reefs of
St. Maarten provide are estimated to be worth in excess of fifty million dollars
annually. The establishment of the Man of War Shoal Marine Park is also in
accordance with the Specially Protected Areas of Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol and
with the Federal Decree on Maritime Management.
Value Statement
The marine environment of St. Maarten includes more than 15 square
kilometres of habitats including globally threatened coral reef, open water
and algae beds. St. Maarten’s marine environment is a home, migratory stop
over or breeding site for 52 IUCN Red List Species, eight CITES Appendix I
species and 230 Appendix II species. The beaches and waters attract in the
region of 2 million visitors a year, creating employment for 85% of the islands
population. Tourism and the marine industry contribute $500 million and $30
million to the economy respectively and both depend on the well being of St.
Maarten’s marine resources.