Efforts to restore mangroves and nesting grounds for threatened bird species are revitalizing two of Sint Maarten’s most important natural areas: Simpson Bay Lagoon and Fort Amsterdam. These sites provide critical habitat for wildlife, help protect the coastline, and support local biodiversity. EPIC, along with community partners and volunteers, have been hard at work leading hands-on restoration projects to protect key coastal habitats in Sint Maarten through mangrove planting, and removing both harmful marine and coastal debris, and invasive plant species. 

In March, a multi-organization effort kicked off at Simpson Bay Lagoon, where EPIC joined forces with the Nature Foundation, VROMI, GreenPhenix Curaçao, and Learning Unlimited to plant mangrove propagules and conduct a coastal cleanup. This marked the start of EPIC’s 2025 initiative to rejuvenate both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems across the island.

In April, the team launched a temporary nesting platform in the lagoon for Least Terns, a threatened bird species that has previously nested dangerously close to Sint Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) runway. Terns prefer to nest in open, rocky spaces, and the runway area is attractive to them because it mimics their natural habitat and has the added benefit of being fenced which keeps them safe from dogs and other predators. However, nesting near the runway is a safety concern because when a bird collides with an airplane it can cause damage and even loss of control. The tern nesting platform was built in partnership with PJIA and Aquatic Solutions to provide a safer alternative for these small seabirds to raise their young. Similar platforms have been successfully used on other Caribbean islands.

In May, attention turned to Fort Amsterdam, which is the only remaining nesting site left on the island for the Caribbean Brown Pelican, Sint Maarten’s national bird. During the annual volunteer program called SXM DOET, EPIC organized volunteer events to remove invasive weeds and plant native vegetation. In just three hours, volunteers planted over 140 native plants, creating a stronger habitat for this iconic species.

While much progress has been made, EPIC’s work is far from over. Future events will continue to focus on mangrove planting, invasive species removal, and habitat restoration. 

A heartfelt thanks to our dedicated volunteers and to our sponsors and partners including European Union’s BESTLIFE2030 Programme, which supports biodiversity protection in the EU’s outermost regions and overseas countries and territories, Kooyman Hardware, Aquatic Solutions, SXM DOET, PJIA, the Nature Foundation, GreenPhenix, Learning Unlimited, BirdLife Netherlands, Binkie van Es, and VROMI. This work wouldn’t be possible without you!