Why the Approach Used by Statia’s Fishermen Could Also Work on Land
Written by René Reehuis
St. Eustatius is seeing growing momentum when it comes to our own food production and the management of our natural environment. With projects such as the 23-hectare syntropic agriculture initiative and the plans outlined in the Nature and Environmental Policy Plan (NEPP), steps are being taken toward an island that is more self-sufficient. The goal is simple: a healthy soil that produces food and does not wash into the sea with the first heavy rainfall.
At the center of this development is the LVV site, the government department responsible for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. This area, located near the solar parks, is currently being prepared for a smart way of planting known as syntropic agriculture — or, as I prefer to call it, “the green garden.” While the term may sound technical, the basic idea is straightforward. Trees and crops are planted in ways that mimic natural systems. Instead of leaving soil exposed, organic material is kept on the ground, creating a sponge-like layer that holds water. This reduces the need for irrigation and helps prevent fertile soil from washing toward the coral reefs.
Although the concept sounds good on paper, we know that implementation on land can often be more challenging than expected. Still, on Statia we already have a sector that shows how good management and clear rules can work: the fisheries sector. Years ago, the care of our waters was not as organized as it is today. Now our fishermen operate within clear agreements on where and how much fishing can take place. They do so because they understand that a healthy reef ensures stable fish stocks in the long term. As a result, fisheries have developed into a professional sector that we can be proud of.
The time has now come to bring that same practical and fair approach to our land and livestock. Moving from freely roaming animals toward a more organized and fenced system is an important step forward. This falls directly under the responsibility of LVV, which supports the fisheries sector but also has a role in professionalizing livestock farming. It means goats, sheep and cattle can be kept safely, fed more effectively and prevented from damaging other people’s gardens or newly planted trees. When livestock is kept where it belongs, nature finally has the opportunity to recover.
In this process, enforcement should not be seen as punishment, but as a necessary agreement to protect our collective investments. Just as fishermen know what rules apply to them, livestock owners should be able to rely on a system that treats everyone equally. It is about taking ownership — knowing which animals belong to whom and ensuring that every parcel of land is used responsibly. At sea, we have come to accept this through the rules of STENAPA, our nature conservation organization; on land, this represents the next step toward a mature sector.
If we continue along this path, we can build a Statia that is less dependent on imports and better able to withstand drought and erosion. The 23-hectare site at LVV will serve as an important testing ground in this effort. By applying the same practical approach that fishermen have adopted at sea to the land, we can ensure an island that remains green and uses its own resources wisely. In the end, it is about making the right choices for the land we stand on every day.
