WILLEMSTAD - The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) has received an additional financial contribution of €1.7 million from the National Postcode Lottery, supplementing its annual allocation of €500,000. The DCNA announced this significant boost, emphasizing its importance for the preservation and restoration of natural areas in the Dutch Caribbean.
“This funding is vital as ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangrove forests have suffered substantial degradation over the past decades due to climate change, pollution, overfishing, and invasive species,” stated DCNA. The deterioration not only threatens the environment but also poses risks to local communities, such as reduced storm protection and income losses in the tourism sector.
The extra funds will support regional projects aimed at enhancing biodiversity across multiple islands. These include restoration programs for mangrove forests and terrestrial vegetation.
The initiatives will be implemented in collaboration with local partners, such as STINAPA on Bonaire, CARMABI on Curaçao, and the Saba Conservation Foundation. WWF Netherlands (WWF-NL) is also contributing expertise and additional funding to these efforts.
The DCNA highlighted the critical need for coordinated action to protect the natural heritage of the Dutch Caribbean, benefiting both its ecosystems and communities.