Mangroves on Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius in danger: “Time for action is now”

KRALENDIJK – The mangroves on Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius are under severe pressure. This is reported by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) on World Mangrove Day in an alarming press release. The organization emphasizes that these unique ecosystems are rapidly disappearing, while they are crucial for coastal protection, biodiversity and climate resilience.

Mangroves in the Dutch Caribbean region only occur on Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. These salt-loving forests store up to ten times more carbon than tropical rainforests, provide shelter against storms and serve as nurseries for countless fish species. Nevertheless, they are declining at a rapid pace.

Alarming figures in new report

The recently published State of Nature Report Caribbean Netherlands, compiled by Wageningen Marine Research on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LNV), shows that the ecological condition of many mangrove areas on Bonaire is deteriorating. Particularly in areas such as Lac Bay and Lagun, inadequate water management leads to suffocation of mangrove roots by sediment, threatening their survival.

While the report focuses on Bonaire, DCNA states that similar threats are also visible on Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten.

Importance of mangroves cannot be understated

According to DCNA, mangroves are essential for the wellbeing of both humans and nature. They not only protect coastlines, but are also important for local fisheries and contribute to the storage of greenhouse gases. "Without immediate action, we risk losing this natural line of defense," the organization states.

€300 million needed for nature restoration

The Ministry of LNV plays a key role in nature policy on Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius, as established in the Nature and Environmental Policy Plan Caribbean Netherlands (2020–2030). But according to a joint appeal by DCNA and WWF, among others, an additional €300 million is needed to achieve the goals by 2030. Half of this is intended for the restoration of ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs and forests; the other half for improving environmental infrastructure, including wastewater treatment.

"Delaying action means higher costs and further deterioration," DCNA warns.

Regional cooperation essential

Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten are also facing increasing pressure on their nature and need more support. DCNA advocates for a coordinated approach and a fairer distribution of resources across all six islands. With support from the Dutch Postcode Lottery, WWF-NL and Bloomberg Philanthropies, the organization is launching the Conservation and Restoration of Key Habitats program, which focuses on mangroves.

Through restoration work in the field, policy strengthening and integration into climate plans, DCNA aims to secure a sustainable future. "If we work together, we can preserve these crucial ecosystems – for people, animals and islands."