Monday, January 08, 2007

Netherlands Antilles Governor Frits Goedgedrag Annuls Decisions on Mangrove Village Development

The Governor of the Netherlands Antilles, Frits Goedgedrag, recently annulled two decisions by the Island Government of Bonaire, stating that these decisions do not concur with the “international agreement regarding watery areas of international importance”, as allowed for under the Ramsar Treaty (Iran, 1971).

Based on the island-regulation (ERNA), as official body of the Kingdom, the governor can suspend and nullify decisions made by island territories, when they are in breach of international treaties and such. Where the Mangrove Village was to be built is in the immediate vicinity of the Lac lagoon, a watery area that falls under the protection of the Ramsar-treaty. The management of that area must focus on preserving its ecological character and its natural profusion.  The governor made his decisions in order to prevent that the nature reserve of Lac suffers irreparable damage.

In the beginning of October last year, the governor suspended the building permit for the Mangrove Village for a period of three months. Additionally, the granting of long-lease land for the development of an eco-resort near the unique nature reserve Lac in the vicinity of Sorobon has been reversed, now that the decision is nullified. 

Apparently, there is no environmental impact assessment for the Mangrove Village. According to the Ramsar-treaty, before considering developing such area, an environmental impact assessment has to be done that complies with high quality standards, followed by a public consultation. A decision can only be made based on the comments on that assessment and the public has to be informed of the decision. In the case of Mangrove Village, no environmental impact assessment was completed to conform with the requirements of the Ramsar-treaty. The island government indicated that it was willing to do this, but the Bestuurscollege could not complete such a study prior to the lapsing of the three-month suspension period.  If the governor had not annulled these two decisions, they would have become valid again on January 4th, with the consequence that the building activities would have resumed.  (Source:  Amigoe)

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Bonaire’s Delno Tromp Adds Three New Books to His Inspirational Series

Earlier in 2006, Delno Tromp announced the publication of his first inspiration book, Recipes for Success.  Now he has added three new books to the series, Recipes for Goals, Recipes for Friendship, and Recipes for Leadership.

All proceeds of Delno’s books go to support charities here on Bonaire and in Africa; sales from the three latest books will go to the Kenya Book Fund, a foundation that will enable young and upcoming writers to publish their work.  Cover artwork is courtesy of Bonaire artist, Linda Richter.

Originally from Bonaire, Delno Tromp is currently living in Nairobi, Kenya, where he is on a humanitarian and educational mission.  He hopes to return to Bonaire one day soon.  For additional information about these books, click here.  (Source:  Delno Tromp Web Site)

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

First Underwater Cleanup of the Year is Scheduled for January 13, 2007

Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech co-sponsor four cleanups each year--one per quarter--and a different area of the coastline is cleaned at each event.  The first cleanup of this year is scheduled for Saturday, January 13, 2007 at the Yellow Submarine facility on the promenade of Kralendijk.

Everyone is invited to join in.  As shore support is needed as well as divers, those who don’t wish to dive are certainly welcome, too.  Anyone interested in helping out should meet at 1:00 PM at Yellow Submarine for their briefing and the dive (tanks are provided at no charge).  A potluck BBQ will be held after the dive with main courses provided by the sponsors; all others are asked to bring a small side dish.

For additional information, click here.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire Web Site)