EPIC Sint Maarten Conservation – EPIC

EPIC Sint Maarten Conservation

Flagship Program Overview

EPIC has been a leader for environmental conservation on Sint Maarten / Saint Martin for more than 20 years. EPIC has implemented a wide range of programs that have helped us to understand the variety of nature found there, restored fragile ecosystems, educated community leaders and kids to care about their island home, and been the catalyst for community actions and legislation that protected and improved the natural world while helping the community to thrive.

In 2007, EPIC proudly established our first affiliate on Sint Maarten, the EPIC Sint Maarten Foundation, which is a registered non-profit that works locally to carry out the EPIC mission.

Projects in this Flagship Program

A Comprehensive Floristic Inventory on Sint Maarten / Saint Martin

EPIC is contributing to the global knowledge of Caribbean biodiversity, specifically Caribbean plants, through a plant catalog for Sint Maarten/Saint Martin.

Blue Flag and Green Key Eco-Label Certification for Marinas, Beaches and Hotels

EPIC served as the National Operator in Sint Maarten for two internationally recognized eco-labels, the Blue Flag for Marinas and Beaches and the Green Key for Hotels.

Caribbean Waterbird Census

The Caribbean Waterbird Census is a regional waterbird and wetland monitoring program led by BirdsCaribbean that involves many partners, including EPIC.

Coastal Cleanups on Sint Maarten / Saint Martin

EPIC organizes volunteers for Coastal Cleanups on Sint Maarten/Saint Martin in multiple locations resulting in the removal of thousands of pounds of trash.

Eco-Friendly Legislation on Sint Maarten

Working to pass eco-friendly legislation has been a priority for EPIC on Sint Maarten with numerous efforts and results.

Economic Valuation of the Simpson Bay Lagoon

Landmark work by EPIC student researchers demonstrated that the lagoon contributes resources and services valued at nearly US $20 million per year.

Environmental Education for Youth in Sint Maarten & Saint Martin

Through presentations and field trips, EPIC reaches diverse youth from elementary to university level.

Habitat Restoration and Mangrove Planting in Sint Maarten and Saint Martin

Habitat restoration like planting mangroves means cleaner air and water, improved protection from storms, and an abundance of wildlife, including fish, corals, and birds.

Hikes and Hiking Trails on Sint Maarten

Eight free public hiking trails on Sint Maarten are now cleared and mapped in an effort to promote healthy outdoor activities which connect people to nature.

Professional Training and Conservation Leadership

Working with professional audiences including government, non-profits and the private sector is an important part of the education done by EPIC over the years.

Seabird Research for Publication of the Seabird Breeding Atlas of the Lesser Antilles

EPIC conducted and published the first regional assessment of seabird populations for the Lesser Antilles covering 3,162 nautical miles and over 200 islands.

Sewage Pumpout Boat Slurpy

In 2011, in partnership with marine industries, EPIC launched the sewage pumpout boat Slurpy to fill the need for proper sewage disposal for boats.

Songbird Surveys and Monitoring on Sint Maarten / St. Martin

EPIC created one of the few long-term records about songbird populations in the Caribbean on Sint Maarten/Saint Martin through songbird monitoring during 2003-2014.

Water Quality Monitoring on Sint Maarten / Saint Martin

Water quality tests conducted by EPIC in 2009 demonstrated very high levels of total coliform contamination in the ghauts which feed into Simpsons Bay Lagoon, St. Martin.

Waterbird Surveys of St. Martin Ponds and Wetlands

EPIC has created one of the few long-term records about bird populations in the Caribbean on Sint Maarten/Saint Martin through wetland bird monitoring during 2000-2018.

Why do we litter? – Sint Maarten

A cleanup and data-collection project in litter-affected neighborhoods on Sint Maarten. EPIC aims to formulate sustainable and actionable steps to prevent litter.