KRALENDIJK – Bonaire is expected to have a new management plan for its donkey population by January. Sessions and consultations with stakeholders will be held in October to prepare the plan. "The first studies are already underway," says Executive Council Dennis Martinus.
Donkey management is part of a broader focus on animal welfare. According to Martinus, this includes raising awareness among pet owners, as well as addressing the situation surrounding the donkeys on the island. "We are also going to tackle the donkey project."
Martinus initially mentioned October as the moment for the management plan, but corrected himself during the conversation. "The sessions will be held in October. The plan will follow in January."
What will ultimately be included in the plan has not yet been determined. According to Martinus, it must first be established "which methodology is best suited."
American company
The Public Entity Bonaire is bringing in external guidance for this purpose. "We have an American company nearby that has experience dealing with difficult topics like this," says Martinus. "They will bring all parties together."
According to Martinus, this is important because the subject is sensitive and there are differing views on how the donkey population should be managed. Martinus acknowledges that tension. "Exactly, but this company has experience with that. So in one way or another, a plan will come together."
No concrete measures are being announced at this stage. First, the studies and consultations must clarify which approach is feasible and desirable for Bonaire. The aim is to have the management plan ready by January.
