Friday, October 09, 2009
STINAPA Bonaire Continues Reforestation Efforts at Klein Bonaire and in Washington Slagbaai Park
Continuing a reforestation effort begun earlier in the year, STINAPA Bonaire and volunteers recently planted 153 indigenous trees on Klein Bonaire and in Washington Slagbaai National Park.
Previously, Klein Bonaire was forested with hardwoods, but by 1950, most trees had died due to overgrazing by goats and tree-felling for charcoal production. Heavy deforestation also meant the loss of the endangered lora, as well as other bird species, none of which occur on Klein Bonaire at this time. After the removal of goats on Klein Bonaire in the 1980s, the forest vegetation rapidly recovered, with the exception of species which had already disappeared. With the financial support of the Prince Bernhard Culture Fund, Klein Bonaire is now being reforested with natural tree species which are native and which will provide food for wildlife.
Washington Slagbaai has also suffered from heavy deforestation primarily due to overgrazing by livestock and charcoal production logging. Recently, eight different tree species were planted in fenced areas of the park. The trees were supplied by Foundation Carmabi on Curacao. Currently, the Slagbaai portion of the park is completely fenced and, with the removal of goats from the park, has led to a natural recovery. The rare trees planted in this project are provided within the park so they may reproduce and the seeds can be spread by birds to accelerate vegetation recovery. (Source: STINAPA Bonaire)
