Monday, October 31, 2011

Queen Beatrix and the Prince of Orange, Willem Alexander, Complete State Visit to Bonaire

Her Majesty, Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands, her son, Willem Alexander, Prince of Orange, and his wife, Princess Maxima, completed a whirlwind visit to Bonaire today.  They spent their time on Bonaire, their first state visit since Bonaire became a special municipality of The Netherlands, touring facilities with a special emphasis on education, social services, and Bonaire’s nature.

The Bonaire Insider caught up with the royal entourage at the Mangrove Info & Activity Center at Lac, where the Queen and her son explored the island’s important mangrove forests.  Upon arrival at the center, the entourage was welcomed by Elsmarie Beukenboom (director of STINAPA) and Elly Albers (director of the Mangrove Info & Activity Center).  After a short presentation, the group was then escorted out to the mangrove area, where they took to the water in the center’s solar-powered touring boats.  While on the water, Kalli de Meyer, director of DCNA (Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance) explained the importance of the mangrove ecology and how this area serves as the nursery area for many of the species of marine life that visitors see today on Bonaire’s reefs.  During the tour, Lac’s uniqueness was explained, its RAMSAR and IBA status, some of the threats and challenges for management, as well as the excellent work
being done to protect the bay and restore conch population via the IUCN NL/Lottery funded conch project.

The Queen expressed her gratitude to the parks and DCNA for the outstanding work in protecting nature on the islands. Her Majesty explained that this is why she took the unprecedented step of becoming a patron.

As always, the Queen and Prince Willem Alexander were gracious, exhibiting a keen interest in this facet of Bonaire’s nature.  View images of their visit to the Mangrove Info & Activity Center on the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)