The Executive Council of the Public Entity St Eustatius has signed a 10-year Management Contract with the St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA) on Thursday June 20th. The agreement defines the tasks that STENAPA will execute on behalf of the Public Entity to maintain and manage the National Parks (The Quill and Boven) on land and the waters surrounding St. Eustatius (St. Eustatius Marine Park). STENAPA already has the local mandate to work in and maintain the parks.
The signing of this management agreement now clearly defines STENAPA’s tasks and services as well as what the government of St. Eustatius provides in return. This further gives clarity to the roles and responsibilities on both sides. “I am very glad that we made a very important step today in long-term solidification of the cooperation between the Public Entity St. Eustatius and STENAPA in nature management on Statia. This management contract provides long term stability and a clear framework for both STENAPA and local government to coordinate and execute the very important works on St. Eustatius in nature management and protecting local species”, Deputy Government Commissioner, Mervyn Stegers.
The contract outlines tasks such as maintenance of trails and dive sites, protection of species such as native iguanas, corals and fish and lessons at the schools. With the signing, both parties objectify what can be expected of each other. The government will provide in return a task subsidy and will also develop and update necessary nature legislation. “We are very pleased that the government and STENAPA have come to a mutual understanding and agreement. The SLA defines our work and solidifies our decree for nature conservation on our beautiful island”, Teresa Leslie, President of STENAPA Board.
