WILLEMSTAD - On Tuesday, November 7, Princess Beatrix, the patroness of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA), visited the Savonet plantation complex. Carmabi is a member of the DCNA. The Savonet plantation complex currently serves as the operational center for Carmabi's Terrestrial Parks Division. From Savonet, various areas are managed, including the Christoffel National Park, the Shete Boka National Park, and the Rif St. Marie - Hermanus National Park under development. 

For the princess, this was a working visit. She showed a particular interest in the history of the plantation and its relationship with the local community. 

The princess was received at Savonet by, among others, Odette Doest, the chair of the Carmabi board, who also served as the host. At Savonet, the princess was given a guided tour. First, the princess attended the lesson "Our Turtles - Nos Tortugunan" by Group 1, 2, and 3 of the Ellis Juliana School from Tera Kora, which took place in the Savonet Magasina. The lesson was conducted by the Nature and Environmental Education Division of Carmabi. Tania Kross then added to the event by singing traditional children's songs with the kids. 

The princess then walked from the Magasina to the Savonet Landhuis, accompanied by outgoing director Paul Stokkermans, who engaged in a conversation with the princess about the significance of the Savonet plantation throughout the centuries. 

During the visit to the Landhuis (Plantation House), the princess received information from Nina Philip-Balentin, Head of Terrestrial Parks at Carmabi, about the museum within the Landhuis and its future plans. Restoration expert Michael Newton provided insights into the 2009 renovation of the plantation complex. At that time, the Netherlands allocated ANG 6 million from development funds for the renovation of the plantation complex and its exterior structures. 

On the back terrace of the Landhuis, an exhibition of 15 photos showcased the renovated ruins behind the Landhuis, which are also part of the open-air museum route. Naomi Cijntje, the author of the open-air museum route's story and a descendant of the enslaved ancestors who lived at Savonet, explained the Tugera wells, the dam's overflow (sakadó), and the large water reservoir to the princess. 

The princess then walked from the Landhuis toward the native tree nursery. Odette Doest provided an overview of Curaçao's semi-arid ecosystem and the relationship between bats and cacti. The princess also met a Warawara, a local bird of prey. 

In the nursery, biologist Erik Houtepen offered a detailed explanation of the cultivation of native trees from seeds, an area in which Carmabi conducts extensive research. Erik Houtepen further explained that after the removal of goats from Christoffel Park in the 1990s, the park experienced significant growth. The native trees can be used for reforestation and urban landscaping. 

Following a short break, the princess departed by bus to Boka Pistol in the Shete Boka National Park. At Shete Boka, the princess received an explanation from head ranger Briand Victorina. The princess also visited the watchtower at Boka Pistol, which was recently built by the army's engineering unit as a donation to Carmabi. 

The visit to Shete Boka National Park marked the conclusion of the princess's working visit to Savonet. Tomorrow, a visit to the Rif St. Marie - Hermanus National Park under development is on the agenda.