WILLEMSTAD – Designating an area for conservation or restoring damaged ecosystems is only the beginning of protecting Curaçao's natural environment, according to Carmabi, which says continuous management, monitoring and funding are essential if conservation projects are to succeed.
The organization highlighted the issue during a working visit by members of the Curaçao Parliament on Friday.
Parliamentarians visited the Marine Education Center and Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park, where they received information about environmental education, the importance of mangroves and the restoration and management of natural areas.
According to Carmabi, restoring a damaged area does not guarantee that it will remain healthy. Protected areas require ongoing maintenance, supervision and monitoring. Managing visitors also requires personnel and financial resources.
The organization used the visit to emphasize the different responsibilities involved in protecting Curaçao's environment. Carmabi carries out scientific research and environmental education and manages several natural areas, while government policy is crucial in areas such as infrastructure, wastewater treatment, environmental regulations and enforcement.
Carmabi also stressed that conservation has an economic dimension. Healthy coastal waters, beaches, mangroves and coral reefs contribute to recreation and tourism and support other economic activities connected to Curaçao's coastline.
The organization therefore advocates a broader approach in which restoration projects are accompanied by measures addressing the underlying causes of environmental degradation and by structural management after an area has been restored or protected.