WILLEMSTAD — Groot St. Joris, a nature reserve popular with hikers, does not only have to contend with a massive series of illegal dumping, but also with the theft of date palms, Theo van der Giessen of Institute Unique Curaçao stated.
Unique Curaçao received various complaints that attempts were being made to dig out date palms. According to Van der Giessen, the government is not taking this matter seriously. "Meanwhile, more trees have been dug out, stolen, and other trees have been marked with the same intention." Upon inquiry, it appears that these kinds of huge palms are valued at 11,000 guilders each, according to the institute. The report from the Amigoe that justice will be taking effective action against environmental offences, can now be put on trial in this case, according to the institute. "All the more as this case regards theft."
"The relevant territory is owned by the government with the Domain Board as responsible bureau. LVV has a management- and maintenance-task. Moreover, the nature reserve has a legal status as conservation territory in the EOP-regulation". According to the institute, LVV has meanwhile informed the Domain Board. "In the meantime, various angry hikers are busy setting up a tracing action regarding these trees".
The trees are recognizable and the buyers could be considered as receiver. Particular attention should be paid to new housing developments, such as resorts and hotels. "In case these trees are traced to the ‘new owner’, this purchase and his/her part in this matter will be made public", the institute threatens.
According to the institute, Groot St. Joris is the only nature reserve on the island with an exceptional date palm forest. "The nature reserve is situated along the inland waterway St. Joris Bay and is very popular with aquatic sport tourists and vacationers. Groups as well as individual vacationers regularly walk the footpaths to and through the date palm forest."
For additional information, please contact the centre at Institute Unique Curaçao, telephone number 462-8989.
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