Robust and quality nature and environment education is critical to the long-term sustainability of nature in the Dutch Caribbean and is therefore a priority for the DCNA park managers. Recently, twelve park and nature management staff from Bonaire, Saba, St. Maarten and St. Eustatius came together for the first time to focus the discussion solely on nature and environment education – where we stand today and where we need to go tomorrow. The group was joined by Alex Vreman and Thea Peters of IVN, Netherlands to explore partnership opportunities.

“The workshop was very valuable in strengthening our education activities, and providing suggestions and tools for a wider and more strategic education program,” said Tadzio Bervoets, the manager of the Nature Foundation on St. Maarten, which recently launched a Snorkel Club program for kids.

In 2011, DCNA will be taking on several activities as a direct output of the workshop in order to support and enhance these efforts while building a common vision for nature and environment education throughout the Dutch Caribbean.