May 10 , 2007
Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance Press Release
Bonaire Set to Welcome Some Very Special Guests
With the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliancešs upcoming Board meeting less than two weeks away, Bonaire is getting ready to welcome some very special guests.
In addition to representatives from each of the Dutch Caribbean islands, and a distinguished group of overseas guests including representatives of Conservation International, De Landschappen, IUCN NL, Samerwerkingsverband Nationale Parken and BirdLife International, Bonaire will be welcoming a representative of Queen Beatrix.
In an unprecedented move, in December 2006, the Dutch reigning monarch, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, took the decision to become a patron of DCNA.
The Queen's decision came after her Jubilee visit to the Dutch Caribbean in November 2007 where, amongst a host of other events, she visited Klein Bonaire. Some of the most memorable photographs of the Queen were taken as she assisted Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire staff Mabel Nava and Funchi Egbreghts to tag a small hawksbill turtle which she then released back into the sea.
The Queen's father, Prince Bernhard, was a life long supporter of the islands. He took a strong interest in Bonaire and in the Bonaire National Marine Park in particular. It was therefore a huge honour and pleasure to learn that Queen Beatrix herself had agreed to become DCNA's premier patron. For DCNA, the Jubilee tour of the Queen was indeed a success of royal proportions.
DCNA is a foundation representing the park management organisations on each of the six islands of the Dutch Caribbean. It's mission is to protect the biodiversity of the islands whilst promoting the sustainable management of the islands' natural resources by working with the island management organisations. Set up in February 2005, DCNA has gone from strength to strength, most recently clinching a deal with the Dutch Government to provide ten years of funding support which will be used to capitalize a Trust Fund. Once capitalized the Trust Fund will cover the operational costs of one land park and one marine park on each island.
STINAPA Bonaire will play host to the upcoming DCNA Board meeting which will be held at Captain Don's Habitat from the 22nd - 24th May 2007.
