The foundation Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) has completed field surveys and training for the terrestrial baseline biodiversity assessment, as part of the Coastal Resilience and Needs Assessments (CORENA) project, with the objective to provide information to guide sustainable management of various habitats found in Sint Maarten.

For 12 days, ecologists Mark Yokoyama, who is resident on St. Martin, and Kevel Lindsay from Antigua, assessed biodiversity in key spots of Sint Maarten. Plants, insects, mammals, birds and amphibians were assessed as part of this study. From sunrise to dusk, and with a couple of night time explorations, the team carried out an extensive review of plant and animal species found, documenting and taking photographs.

Over 300 species were observed. Mark Yokoyama notes: “Sint Maarten offers a diversity of species, most unknown to the general public, from the smallest insect to larger birds such as Ospreys. We were surprised by the diversity of plants, insects, birds and animals at almost every site we visited. Most areas that have been fragmented by development had pockets of wildlife including native species such as the yellow sage (Lantana camara) plant, and the St. Martin anole (Anolis pogus) lizard.”

Two hands-on training sessions were held for the staff of The Nature Foundation with tips to identify plant species and invertebrates, and to learn field research methods. A total of seven persons received training. Sabrine Brismeur, Coordinator for the CORENA project at the Nature Foundation, was pleased by both training sessions: “Our staff learned a lot and will be more comfortable in doing future terrestrial assessments to monitor species numbers and the state of their habitat in Sint Maarten.”

Two maps will be produced to show key biodiversity hotspots and recommended areas to protect from human development, to further guide political decisions about sustainable development on Sint Maarten. Based on observations during this assessment, it is clear that bats in Sint Maarten in particular are at risk of human impact and their habitat should remain free of disturbances. Bats play a key role in ecosystems, helping to pollinate plants, disperse seeds, and keep pests in control, such as mosquitos and other insects affecting crops.

The final terrestrial assessment will be completed by April and made available to the public after that time.

The CORENA project was initiated by the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) and is being executed in partnership with the Nature Foundation. The CORENA project is funded by the European Union though the regional RESEMBID grant programme, implemented by Expertise France in 12 overseas countries and territories in the Caribbean.