The islands are a migratory stopover point, home to hundreds of species of fish, 25 species of sharks, and many species of whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Their combined exclusive economics zones cover 81,000 sq km, and their coral reefs make up some of the only healthy, living reefs left in the Caribbean. Climate change has resulted in ocean warming, acidification, and an increase in storms, all of which threaten reef survival.
Blue Marine and Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) have supported the Curacao government in drafting a new Nature Policy Plan, which includes the marine conservation and management commitments and objectives that Blue Marine recommended.
In partnership with the St Maarten Nature Foundation, we completed the first stage of St Maarten’s MPA (marine protected area) legislative review, and presented the findings to Parliament, laying the foundation for increasing inshore MPA coverage.
Our ‘small grants programme’ has helped marine conservation across the islands. Blue Economics is also supporting the Blue Nature Alliance in designing a two-day sustainable finance workshop aimed at policymakers and MPA delivery partners. This workshop will help provide a roadmap for sustainably financing MPA ambitions in the region.
The Caribbean Sea has the largest concentration of marine species in the Atlantic. Comprised of six islands – Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, St Maarten, St Eustatius, and Saba – the Dutch Caribbean is home to globally threatened biodiversity.
Since 2020, Blue Marine has been working with local partners the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA), and the Nature Park foundations of the islands, on initiatives to expand marine protected areas (MPAs) in Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and establish sustainable funding.
At Jangamo Bay on the wildlife-rich eastern coast of Africa, we are working with partners to help designate a marine protected area, to eliminate net fishing, and empower local women to cultivate mussels.
The fishing and tourism industries of the Caribbean nation depend on the good health of its rich coral reef and seagrass. Blue Marine is working with local partners to tackle the degradation that threatens them both.
Blue Marine’s support in St Vincent and Grenadines has led to a closed season on fishing for the sea snails, and a proposal for nursery rest areas to protect juvenile populations.
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