A terrestrial baseline biodiversity assessment was conducted in 2024, as part of the CORENA project (Coastal Resilience and Needs Assessments) through the selection of Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) St. Maarten Foundation by The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten, to conduct the work for the terrestrial part of the project.

The objective of the CORENA project is to provide information to guide sustainable management of various habitats found in Sint Maarten. This is done through enhancing capacity for evidence-based policy development, and increasing the knowledge and willingness of the public to engage in sustainable practices.

The CORENA project has several components. EPIC’s team, including two researchers with more than 40 years combined expertise in the region’s natural history, ran the terrestrial baseline biodiversity assessment. It entailed producing an inventory database of St. Maarten’s terrestrial biodiversity, achieved through in-situ field expeditions. They also delivered local capacity training to the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) and the Nature Foundation of Sint Maarten staff to conduct biodiversity research and analyze data collected.

Additional components include a marine baseline biodiversity assessment and an education campaign for the general public and school children, conducted by the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten.

The CORENA project was initiated by the Ministry of VROMI and is being executed in partnership with the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten. The project is funded by the European Union though the regional RESEMBID grant program, implemented by Expertise France in 12 overseas countries and territories in the Caribbean.