Nature and biodiversity
The Caribbean Netherlands is home to a wealth of natural resources that provide numerous ecological, cultural, and economic services to the local population as well as to the region and the rest of the world. Its ecosystems are also regionally and globally of great importance. The coastal waters and reefs of all three islands are part of marine protected areas that are internationally recognised.
The Public Entities are responsible for the management of nature on their islands and in the territorial waters. Pursuant to the Principles of Nature Management and Protection (BES) Act, the Public Entities can institute regulations and policies to protect local flora and fauna. In addition, there are several international treaties and agreements relating to the Caribbean Netherlands from which obligations arise. See the Nature and Environment Policy Plan Caribbean Netherlands for a complete overview of the relevant international obligations.
State of nature Caribbean Netherlands
In 2018, the state of nature of the Caribbean Netherlands was reported. This report was an initial assessment of the state (of conservation), threats, and management implications of habitats and (groups of) species in the Caribbean Netherlands. The conclusion of the report is that the state of nature of the Caribbean Netherlands should be assessed as moderate to very unfavourable. The Nature and Environment Policy Plan Caribbean Netherlands 2020-2030 provides the integral framework for the management of nature and biodiversity until 2030 to improve the state of nature. The state of nature of the Caribbean Netherlands will be reported again in 2025.
