Here’s why you should go to Statia (St Eustatius, Caribbean Netherlands):
-
Promo video: St Eustatius National Parks Foundation (land)
This promotional clip for STENAPA (St Eustatius National Parks Foundation) shows the natural and cultural beauty of Statia, Caribbean Netherlands.
Three National Park areas protect the high biodiversity and unique tropical ecosystems present on both land and sea and the total protected area covers 33km2 - almost twice the size of the island of St Eustatius. The national parks system was initiated by the Island Government in 1996 to protect diverse habitats on and around the island. The Government delegated management authority for the parks to a local NGO – St Eustatius National Parks Foundation. Numerous endangered or critically endangered species are protected through active research and monitoring programmes, including three species of sea turtles, the Antillean Iguana, Red Bellied Racer Snake, orchids, cacti and the endemic vine ‘Statia Morning Glory’.
#Statia #Caribbean #island
#StEustatius #Netherlands #Dutch #STENAPA #nature #culture #nationalpark #land #sea #protect #travel #beautiful -
Promo video: St Eustatius National Parks Foundation (marine park)
This promotional clip for STENAPA (St Eustatius National Parks Foundation) shows the work of staff and volunteers in the marine park of Statia/Caribbean Netherlands.
The St Eustatius National Marine Park was created in 1996 and extends around the entire island from the high water line to the 30m depth contour. The park covers an area of 27.5km2 and protects a variety of habitats, including pristine coral reefs (drop off walls, volcanic ‘fingers’ and ‘bombs’, spur and groove systems), 18th-century shipwrecks and modern-day artificial reefs to promote fishing and dive tourism (including a 100m cable-laying ship).
Within the Park are two actively managed Reserves in which no fishing or anchoring is permitted to conserve marine biodiversity, protect fish stocks and promote sustainable tourism. In addition to regular mooring maintenance, patrols and research, the National Marine Park works closely with local dive centres to ensure that diving practices minimise the impact on the reef.
In general, we prefer to see our fishes alive and well. However, the local reef population in the Caribbean is under attack. Park rangers and volunteers are hunting lionfish as this invasive species destroys the natural balance of local reef life. Reproducing quickly and feasting on each and every fish they can suck into their mouth. There are no natural predators (yet) so humans have to clean up the mess they are also responsible for.
#Statia #Caribbean #diving
#StEustatius #Netherlands #Dutch #STENAPA #nature #underwater #nationalpark #volunteer #sea #protect #lionfish #ranger -
Promo video: St Eustatius National Parks Foundation (marine life)
This promotional clip for STENAPA (St Eustatius National Parks Foundation) shows the underwater world in the marine park of Statia/Caribbean Netherlands.
The St Eustatius National Marine Park was created in 1996 and extends around the entire island from the high water line to 30m depth contour. The park covers an area of 27.5km2 and protects a variety of habitats, including pristine coral reefs (drop off walls, volcanic ‘fingers’ and ‘bombs’, spur and groove systems), 18th century shipwrecks and modern-day artificial reefs to promote fishing and dive tourism (including a 100m cable-laying ship).
Within the Park are two actively-managed Reserves in which no fishing or anchoring is permitted to conserve marine biodiversity, protect fish stocks and promote sustainable tourism. In addition to regular mooring maintenance, patrols and research, the National Marine Park works closely with local dive centres to ensure that diving practices minimise impact on the reef.
#Statia #Caribbean #diving
#StEustatius #Netherlands #Dutch #STENAPA #nature #underwater #nationalpark #reef #ocean #protect #travel #island
We are missing our floppy reef with the friendly turtles, massive french angelfish, cute cowfish, beloved eagle rays, and sharkies. Just to name a few.
STENAPA (St Eustatius National Parks Foundation) takes care of these treasures – underwater and on land (more in videography). Discover the beauty: Go Statia!
