Calls for A National Law on the Management and Protection of Beaches
The St. Maarten Nature Foundation over the last 24 hours has been contacting various entities to inquire about the closure of the Belair Beach area. Belair beach, one of the most popular beaches on the Dutch Side and an area used by many families from the Great Bay area was barred and closed by the owners of the property by the beach. The Nature Foundation contact various entities both inside and outside of Government to inquire as to the closure of the beach and to ensure that access is granted to those wanting to enjoy the beach. Upon further discussion the access to the beach was reopened.
This incident highlights the need for clear legislation as to the use of beaches on St. Maarten. Beaches are St. Maarten’s primary natural resources and the major natural asset for resident and visitor alike. The Nature Foundation urges decision makers to ratify and implement a beach policy where residents regardless of background can enjoy all of the country’s natural resources. There should be no situation where a resident is harassed or barred from using any of the beaches on the island, and clear legislation with associated penalties should be in place to ensure that those infringing on the rights of residents to use their natural resources is trampled on.
The Nature Foundation would also like to see beaches managed, both in ecological and environmental terms but also for the beach-going public. Sahde trees, such as the ones currently being planted by the Nature Foundation and the Airport on Belair Beach, garbage bins and trash clean-up initiatives and seaweed removal schemes are essential for not only keeping the ecological balances of the beaches but also providing a pleasant beach-going environment for both residents and visitors.
The Nature Foundation will be appealing for the drafting and the implementation of a National Law for the Protection and Management of Beaches on St. Maarten.