The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) has just announced that the Euan P. McFarlane Environmental Leadership Award Fund (McFarlane Fund, which is administered by the CFVI, based on a grant from the now-sunsetted Island Resources Foundation) for calendar year 2016 goes to Mr. Tadzio Bervoets of Saint Martin, in recognition of his important work as a dedicated and passionate Caribbean conservationist. The award is made based on the advice of an Advisory Committee of Caribbean conservationists, chaired by Ms. Judith Ann Towle.

2016 McFARLANE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP IN THE INSULAR CARIBBEAN

Mr. Tadzio Bervoets was awarded the prestigious McFarlane Environmental Award in recognition of his important work as a dedicated and passionate Caribbean conservationist.

Recipients of the McFarlane Award are recognized to be persons who have applied themselves to the preservation of the natural or built environment on one or more of the small islands of the Caribbean and whose career or avocation demonstrates an appreciation of and support for the advancement of environmental stewardship and balanced development in the Caribbean.

The Committee believes that presentation of the McFarlane Award to Mr. Bervoets (for the amount of $1,000) will boost conservation efforts in St. Maarten and promote recognition of the challenges faced by the region.

Mr. Bervoets was nominated by colleagues, who highlighted his policy and management skills and experience as demonstrated at local, national, and regional levels.

Mr. Bervoets has both created and revitalized environmental institutions in St. Maarten, including the Ocean Care Foundation, the St. Maarten Nature Federation, the Reef Check Program in St. Maarten, and the Sea Scouts Program to teach local children about the marine environment. In addition, he helped to establish the territory’s first protected area, promoted enactment of species-specific legislation, successfully lobbied for the establishment of Mullet Pond as a Ramsar site of international importance, and serves as chair of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance that supports conservation organizations in Bonaire, Aruba, Curacao, Saba, and St. Eustatius.