Size: ~40% of the shared island or 34 km² or 13.13 mi²
Population: 43,198
Language: Dutch, English
Government: Netherlands
Tallest Peak: Mount Flagstaff at 1,257 feet/383 meters
Rare Species: Bearded anole
Fun Fact: Simpson Bay Lagoon in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is one of the largest inland lagoons in the Caribbean and is a sheltered anchorage, making it a popular yachting destination.
EPIC is contributing to the global knowledge of Caribbean biodiversity, specifically Caribbean plants, through a plant catalog for Sint Maarten/Saint Martin.
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.
The Caribbean Waterbird Census is a regional waterbird and wetland monitoring program led by BirdsCaribbean that involves many partners, including EPIC.
EPIC organizes volunteers for Coastal Cleanups on Sint Maarten/Saint Martin in multiple locations resulting in the removal of thousands of pounds of trash.
Habitat restoration like planting mangroves means cleaner air and water, improved protection from storms, and an abundance of wildlife, including fish, corals, and birds.
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.
EPIC’s research has contributed to the establishment of several Important Bird Areas (IBA), which are internationally recognized for their value in protecting birds.
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.
EPIC conducted and published the first regional assessment of seabird populations for the Lesser Antilles covering 3,162 nautical miles and over 200 islands.
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 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.
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.
A cleanup and data-collection project in litter-affected neighborhoods on Sint Maarten. EPIC aims to formulate sustainable and actionable steps to prevent litter.
