Each year, hundreds of the finest racing yachts are setting course for St. Maarten to join in the island's Heineken Regatta held in spring. The fun-filled event, open to sailors of all skill levels, attracts participants from around the world including Canada. Last year's Regatta drew 231 boats from 31 countries.
With activities like the Regatta, the increasingly popular America's Cup 12-Metre Challenge, first-class marine accommodations, dockside dining and boat rentals, St. Maarten has earned the reputation as the most attractive Caribbean destination for sailing.
If you are lucky enough to live on a beautiful island paradise like Sint Maarten/Saint Martin, you tend to take things for granted. For example, standing on a pristine sandy beach, or hiking through lush vegetation and rocky hills in uncharted territory just seems too simple. Occasionally enjoying the tranquility of island life can be very satisfying, or just relaxing or taking pleasure in viewing a colorful sunset. Living on a paradise island like this one, time seems to pass by too quickly, and you forget how unique and wonderful life can be. Visitors arrive on the island of Sint Maarten to enjoy its white sandy beaches, its Caribbean style atmosphere and the surrounding environment that can be found in abundance. Since 1997, The Nature Foundation of Sint Maarten has been protecting nature and the environment on Sint Maarten so that future generations can inherit and enjoy what we have today. Protecting nature is no easy task. Many years of preparation and hard work has been put into the Marine Park so that the right measure of environmental protection, public awareness and education can be provided for everyone to enjoy.
Sint Maarten has become a developing island that is currently facing many environmental issues that need to be addressed. The Nature Foundation has taken the ultimate responsibility of protecting, preserving and conserving nature and the environment on Sint Maarten. With the assistance from other NGO's (non-governmental organizations) such as the Marine Reserve of Saint Martin, and the Sint Maarten Pride Foundation, many of today's issues are being addressed, and solutions are being found to deal with problems that have affected our island in the past. Recently, the local government has begun to support all environmental efforts as it clearly shows that it is an important task of the lawmakers. Visitors to the island can see the difference from years past. Nowadays the climate has changed to a feeling of protecting what nature has to offer and enjoying the true beauty of our environment.
The local community, as visitors alike is becoming more aware that protecting nature is an important task that every small island should be interested in. Recently a Sea Turtle Watch Group has been established to protect all sea turtles, nesting habitats and breeding grounds. Sea Turtle protection is an integral part of environmental protection, and the volunteers of the Watch Group are interested individuals that really care for these harmless creatures. Sea Turtles are one of the oldest lineages of reptiles in the world today, and with declining numbers every year, it is essential to provide that extra effort to maintain the population at higher levels. Due to over fishing and illegal collection of turtles and eggs, the majority of the population of sea turtles in the Caribbean has been declining in recent years. The Nature Foundation finds this a key issue that must be addressed. Additionally, souvenirs, jewelry, and high-priced curio items made out of turtle shells and bones provide an added pressure to the protection efforts of the Nature Foundation. Apart from being illegal, it is always advised not to purchase such items that can be found at any local souvenir stores, so that the protection of sea turtles can continue. Heavy fines can be enforced if you do arrive in another country with turtle products or some types of sea shells.
Apart from protecting sea turtles the Marine Park of Sint Maarten has been working in connection with the newly established Marine Reserve of the French Side to provide nature protection throughout the entire island. Due to the difference in governments, it has always been difficult realizing the same goals and objectives on both sides of the island, however with two nature parks established, it seems that finally a close working relationship is inevitable. Many joint projects, such as clean-ups, research, monitoring and patrolling are being organized with both nature parks in mind. These efforts will only strengthen the ties between both sides in the hopes that the community realizes that nature and the environment have no boundaries. It must be protected fully as a whole, and not divided into smaller parts. |
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