A Leader in Nature Preservation by Synergizing People and Nature – A model for all Caribbean countries to take notice.
Bonaire is an island municipality of the Netherlands with a reef-lined coast that lies off the coast of Venezuela in the southern Caribbean. With only 20,000 residents, this tiny island is progressive in synergizing its people and nature! As a result, Bonaire has become a leader in the preservation of its natural assets and should be recognized throughout the Caribbean and the world for its success.
At Bonaire, they are the first Caribbean island to have a marine park protecting its waters for over 4 decades! With the protection of nature as a cornerstone of its sustainable tourism policies, the island’s economic development plan is built on sustainability and 40% of the island uses clean energy. Bonaire’s recognition of the importance of its water resources even extends to its flag, where the blue represents its pure waters.
Here are a few notable things Bonaire is doing:
- Renewable and Sustainable Energy
- 40% Wind Energy
- Ready for Bio-Diesel
- Converting to Solar Energy
- Wastewater collection purification
- Encouraging Reusable products
- Use of Environmentally Friendly Paper Bags, Straws and Cleaning Supplies
- Dedicated waste disposal systems
- Reef clean-ups
- Establishment of the Flamingo Sanctuary and Coral Restoration Foundation
- Continued protected marine and national parks and wetlands.
For Bonaire, being a Blue Destination is not only about conservation and marine life, but it aligns with the country’s culture, history, and the heritage of people who have embraced and protected the ocean for their livelihood. Visit them online for more information on practices all Caribbean Destinations can adapt.