UNITED NATIONS EP
Distr. LIMITED United Nations Environment UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev. 1 Programme 3 July 2008 UNEP Original: ENGLISH
Fourth Meeting of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) to the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) in the Wider Caribbean Region
Gosier, Guadeloupe, France, 2-5 July 2008
REVISED DRAFT
ANNOTATED FORMAT FOR PRESENTATION REPORTS FOR THE AREAS PROPOSED FOR INCLUSION IN THE SPAW LIST
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Annotated Format is to guide the Contracting Parties in producing reports of comparable contents as requested in Article 19 (2) of the Protocol, including the information necessary for the adequate evaluation of the conformity of the proposed site with the criteria set out in the Protocol and in the Guidelines (Guidelines and Criteria for the Evaluation of Protected Areas to be Listed under SPAW).
CONTENTS
The presentation report shall include the following main information on: (i) identification of the proposed protected area (ii) site description (iii) its Caribbean importance (iv) the activities in and around the areas and their impacts (v) legal framework (vi) management measures (vii) human and financial resources available for the management and the protection of the site.
SUBMISSION OF REPORTS
The reports should be submitted to the SPAW/RAC two months before the meeting of STAC for SPAW in English, Spanish or in French.
Dossier should be compiled on A4 paper, with maps and plans annexed on paper with maximum size of an A3 paper. Contracting parties are also encouraged to submit the full text of the proposal in electronic form.
The requested annexes should be submitted on paper and, if possible, also in electronic form. They are following: Copies of legal texts Copies of planning and management documents - Maps: administrative boundaries, zoning, land tenure, land use, and distribution of habitats and species, as appropriate - Existing inventories of plants and fauna species - Photographs, slides, films/videos, CD-ROM's - List of publications and copies of the main ones concerning the site
UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 1
1. AREA IDENTIFICATION
COUNTRY Netherlands Antilles
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVINCE OR REGION St Eustatius
NAME OF THE AREA Quill / Boven National Park
DATE OF ESTABLISHMENT 21 March 1997
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION Describe its geographical boundaries, e.g. rivers, roads, geographical or administrative boundaries (do not describe the co-ordinates here; please make a separate Annex with a map and a description of geographical co-ordinates as stated in the legal declaration of the area.).
The Quill / Boven National Park is divided into two sectors on the island of St Eustatius and shown on the maps in Annex 1: • Quill sector (220ha) encompasses the dormant volcano ‘the Quill’ from the 250m altitude contour line upwards and encompassing the entire Quill volcano and including the limestone section termed ‘White Wall and Sugar Loaf’ from the 250m down to the high water mark.. • Boven sector (320ha) in the North East of the island and encompassing five hills: Boven, Bergje, Venus and Gilboa on government land, and Signal hill within private property of Statia Oil Terminal. ______
SURFACE OF THE AREA (total) (in national unit) (in ha) 540
LENGTH OF THE MAIN COAST (km): This is not applicable as this is a terrestrial park but the park boundaries descend to High Water line in sections of the Quill and Boven sector, thus adjoining the Statia National Marine Park. UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 2
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (maximum 3 pages) Supply a summary of the information contained in sections 3 to 9
26% (540 hectares) of the terrestrial environment of St. Eustatius is protected, including biologically diverse rainforest, Elfin forest and drought resistant habitats. The Quill/Boven National Park offers some of the best hiking in the Caribbean with views of neighbouring Saba, St Bartholomew and St Kitts through pristine forest which clings to the slopes of the magnificent Quill volcano. The Quill/Boven National Park was established in 1997 to protect the islands natural resources. The National Parks and St Eustatius are a home, migratory stop over or breeding site for 14 IUCN Red List species, 10 CITES Appendix I species and 98 Appendix II species including the endemic plant Statia Morning Glory (Ipomoea sphenophylla) and many others plants and animal species with limited distribution. The Quill/Boven National Park and Botanical Garden attract visitors contributing to income for the 70% of the islands population employed in restaurants, hotels and other services.
The Quill / Boven National Park is recognised internationally and was pronounced the first official National Park of the Netherlands Antilles in 1998. The park was created to protect unique biodiversity and ensure sustainable use by all stakeholders. The 5.4km2 covered by the park consists of two sub-sectors - the dormant volcano ‘The Quill’ and the ‘Boven’ area. An additional international recognition is that the Quill and Boven sectors were declared as Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in 2008.
The Quill sub-sector above 250 metres as well as the inside walls of the crater and the adjacent south- eastern side of the White Wall/Sugar Loaf an area of limestone on the South West of The Quill. The total surface area of is approximately 220 ha.
The Boven sub-sector
The Boven sub-sector includes the hilly area on the northern side of The Quill sub- the island around the Boven hill, sector including Bergje, Venus Bay, Gilboa hill and Signal Hill. The total surface area is approximately. 320 ha. The Quill/Boven National Park and Botanical Garden are managed by a local non-governmental, not for profit foundation (‘stichting’} called St Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA) incorporated in the Netherlands Antilles on 21st November 1988 and first registered with the St Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the 28th August 1995 (registration #80371). STENAPA has a co-management structure with stakeholders, conservationists and other interested parties on the board. The management of The Quill/Boven National Park and Botanical Garden is carried out by the Parks Manager and two park rangers. One Office Manager also works on administration and organisation.
The mission of The Quill/Boven National Park is to manage and conserve natural, cultural and historical resources of The Quill/Boven National Park and Botanical Garden for sustainable use with continued stakeholder participation, for the benefit of current and future generations.
Extensive stakeholder input has identified the main management and external issues facing The Quill/Boven National Park and Botanical Garden. The issues below are considered important by stakeholders for STENAPA to address and form the basis of management actions in pursuit of the mission, and goals of The Quill/Boven National Park over the lifetime of this management plan.
External Issues Management Issues Future Issues
• Invasive species • Resources • Development - Free ranging livestock - Staff - Corallita - Information - Bees • Sustainable financing • Collection / hunting • Future Developments • Governance - Ownership - Boundaries UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 3
3. SITE DESCRIPTION
TYPOLOGY OF THE SITE:
Terrestrial surface, excluding wetlands (ha): 540ha
Wetland surface (ha): 0ha
Marine surface (sq. km) under sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction: 0ha
MAIN PHYSICAL FEATURES
Geology /Geomorphology Give a brief description of: (i) geological aspects (lithologic and tectonics); (ii) processes of sedimentation and erosion observable in the area; (iii) coastal geomorphology, and (iv) island system. Indicate bibliographical sources. ______
The island of St. Eustatius lies at the north end of a continuous submarine bank, no deeper than 180m, that also contains the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis. The Lesser Antilles are located on an area where the plates that make up the earths crust meet. This is known as a zone of subduction where the Atlantic Plate slowly slides under the Caribbean Plate. The island has an area of 21km2 and the landscape of the island is dominated by two volcanic areas. At the northern end the extinct volcanic hills rise to 289 m and were once a separate island surrounded by sea cliffs (Roobol & Smith, 2004). Two and a half kilometres to the southeast the relatively youthful Quill volcano, with an 800m diameter open crater, rises to 600m. A third volcanic structure is exposed at the White Wall-Sugar Loaf tilted limestone feature, which forms the southern shoreline of the Quill. An oblique aerial photograph of St Eustatius from the south looking north, showing the Quill dominating the landscape , with the Boven sub-sector in the background (source: M.Handler). The first volcanic activity around the north western complex is thought to have taken place around 1 million years ago (Westermann, 1957)). Bergje or Little Mountain is the main remnant from the central crater of an old volcano (Westermann, 1961). Boven and Gilboa Hill are made of ancient, solidified streams of lava. The horseshoe shaped ridge known as Panga, between Fort Royale and Signal Hill, is what remains of the base of the volcano. Several parts of the northern hills are made from by-products of volcanic activity such as agglomerates, lava and ash. The original volcano in the north could have been more than 600 meters high. Erosion has been acting since the last volcanic activity in the area to smooth and level out the features that remain.
The older Boven sub-sector is more eroded than the mountainous Quill area and is made up from a series of rolling hills. The Venus Bay Valley, a plain which runs to the sea, lies between the Boven, Bergje and Gilboa Hills. The rolling plains and hills make the area’s natural beauty outstanding. Most of the slopes around the coast are very steep especially on the western side.
Very little development can be seen from Venus Bay Valley there giving the impression of a natural, undeveloped island. From the Boven hill, there is an exceptional view over a large part of the island with the Quill in the background. In clear weather Saba, St. Bartholomew and St. Maarten can be seen in the distance. Although the oil terminal is hidden from most of the island, behind the hills surrounding it, the tanks can be seen from most of the Boven sector of the National Park.
The whole south eastern part of the island is taken up by The Quill, unique in the area as a mountain because of its even, typical volcano form. The Quill is a perfect example of an ash-volcano. The last eruption of the Quill was prehistoric and occurred before settlement of the island by Salidoid Indians probably 1550 years before present (Roobol & Smith, 2004). The unique form took shape during the final acts of the last period of volcanic activity when there was no lava-flow, but molten rock was exploding out of the volcano by gasses under high pressure. The entire top, crater, slopes and the base of The Quill are covered with loose material. The largest blocks are lying on the edge and on the bottom of the crater. Lower on the slopes the material gets finer and The Kultuurvlakte is covered for the greater part by volcanic ashes, which make rich and fertile agricultural land. Six recently drilled water wells in the sides of the Quill have revealed heated groundwater, measuring up to 70 degrees Celsius, suggesting that the Quill is dormant. The cone shape of Quill dominates a large part of the island. The Quill is special because of its regular structure. The crater rim affords a beautiful view of the whole crater. The narrow crater rim is almost perfectly circular (approximately 750m in diameter). The surface area of the crater is 43ha. The height of the rim varies between 400m in the west to 600m in the east (Mazinga Peak). The bottom of the crater lies at an altitude of approximately 280m above sea level and can be reached via a steep descent from the crater rim. The bottom is largely covered with high trees and scattered large volcanic blocks.
White Wall viewed from the sea (top), and the land (below) (source: STENAPA)
On the south side of The Quill there are two areas of sedimentary rock which recline against the slope of the volcano: The White Wall (270m) and The Sugar Loaf (73m) are made from limestone, which is ancient coral reef, and some volcanic material (Ippel, 2000). The limestone was originally formed at the bottom of a prehistoric shallow sea. The slabs which lie at an angle of 40°, were forced upwards during a volcanically active phase and were turned over into their present positions by a plug of lava (now hardened). White Wall and Sugar Loaf are thought to be between 70,000 to 21,000 years old (Westermann, 1961). The south and south west side of the Quill feature deep gorges: Big Gut and Soldiers Gut, located on either side of the White Wall.
Beaches on Statia have black sand which is made up from titanium and iron weathered from the volcanic rocks (Ippel 2000). White sandy sections on Zeelandia beach are derived from sandstone between the two hilly sections north and south of the island. The steep slopes and tropical rainfall on the higher elevations mean that rates of erosion from run-off are very fast. Where vegetation is removed, soils are quickly washed away and into the surrounding sea. As well as physical erosion and gullying caused by rainfall, the limestone rocks of St Eustatius are eroded by chemicals in the rain, which leaves the limestone sharp and spiky in areas where it is exposed.
The cliffs along the beach of Zeelandia Bay and Turtle Beach are cut into the flank deposits of the Quill, and show stratification after multiple volcanic eruptions. The lowest and oldest layers are dated back to about 25,000 years ago, the upper and youngest layer back to about 7,500 years ago. In each successive volcanic event, a mixed magma eruption deposited a new layer with heavy basaltic andesite tuffs on the bottom, pumice flow in the middle and the finer grained air fall ashes on top. Basic monitoring of cliff erosion by STENAPA between 2004 and 2007 (whereby stakes are placed at the base of cliffs early each year, and distance from cliff is measured at the end of the year) show that cliff erosion is significant and up to 2.0 meters in one year. The weathering of these cliffs results in major landslides with pieces of rock of over 1 meter high deposited at the base of cliffs.
Eroding cliffs at Zeelandia Bay showing distinct layers of rock (source: STENAPA) UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 4
Other interesting physical features: Such as hydrodynamics, volcanic formations, caves, underwater formations, etc
The Quill volcano is one of the only intact ash-volcanos in the region with forest within the crater. ______
Length of beaches (in km), including islands:
a) Length of sandy beaches: approximately 3-4km (Zeelandia Beach, Turtle bay beach,
Oranjebaii beach, Kay Bay)
b) Length of pebble or stony beaches: approximately 5km around the island consisting of
pocket beaches (Venus Bay, Jenkins Bay, Compagne Bay, Corre Corre Bay, Back off Bay)
c) Length, height and depth of active sand-dunes: 0km
FRESHWATER INPUTS
Mean annual precipitation (in mm) ______1073mm
Main water courses (permanent and seasonal) none
Estuarine areas: Existence and brief description none
Freshwater springs: Existence and brief description, including marine offsprings none UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 5
BIOLOGICAL FEATURES (Point B of the Guidelines; ecological criteria) Habitats: a brief description of dominant marine and terrestrial habitats
The Quill / Boven National Park does not contain any marine habitats. Almost all the types of terrestrial habitats that are found on St. Eustatius can be found in either the Quill or Boven sub sectors. A range of geological features has created different soil conditions for plants. Additionally, varying altitude and wind exposure provide conditions for a variety of plant communities to exist.
Within the terrestrial and surrounding marine habitats of St Eustatius, 19 IUCN Red List species, 10 CITES Appendix 1 species and 98 Appendix 2 species of flora and fauna live, feed and breed. There are many other species that make this island their home and contribute to the ecology of St. Eustatius.
The Quill. There are two principal factors influencing the complex pattern of the vegetation communities on the Quill. Firstly, the change in altitude up the slopes of the Quill provides different climatic zones. Secondly, humans have interfered with the natural vegetation in a number of places. A third important factor is geology which ranges from limestone to volcanic soils. As the National Park boundary extends upward of the 250m height contour (excluding White Wall and Sugar Loaf to the southwest which extends to sea level), only vegetation communities above this altitude are considered here.
Vegetated slopes of The Quill (source: M.Handler)
Evergreen seasonal forest Inside the crater of The Quill, from 273 meters above sea level up to the rim (up to 600m), evergreen seasonal forest is dominant. Layers of trees can be distinguished such as canopy (the tallest trees forming a dense cover), a bush layer, a herb layer (the lowest plant layer) and the forest floor. Lianas and creepers hang from many trees, but epiphytes are rather rare. Emergents
Canopy
Under storey
Shrub Layer er Herb Layer
The names given to the different layers of vegetation in a forest.
The canopy rises up to 30-40 meters. This layer is dominated by a few species including the Cotton Tree (Ceiba pentandra) with its buttress roots, the Yellow Plum (Spondias mombin) and a type of Laurel (Phoebe elongata). Among the shrub layer, Iperaceae (a type of liana) are prominent and in the herb layer ferns dominate. A rich moss flora exists, and liverworts are scarce (Augustinus, Mees & Prins, 1985). Evergreen seasonal forest is similar to rainforest and is biologically very diverse.
Cotton Tree (Ceiba pentandra) with its buttress roots (left), Elfin forest covers only a small area on the highest part of the Quill’s crater rim (right). (source: Jan Blok)
Pioneer forest. Pioneer forest can be found in some places in the crater. This type of forest develops in gaps where trees have fallen and openings allow sunlight to reach the ground. These communities are usually very diverse as juveniles of many different plant species compete for the sunlight. Typical pioneer species are Wild Banana (Heliconia bihai) and the Trumpet Tree (Cecropia schreberiana). Elfin forest This covers only a small area (not more than 4 or 5 hectares) on the highest part of the Quill’s rim (600 m), known as Mazinga Peak on the southeast part of the rim. Elfin forest is an unusual type of forest, which develops only in a very specific climate. The elfin forest in St Eustatius is different from the elfin forest in Saba. In St. Eustatius wild balsam (Clusia major) dominates, there are a few other tree species, among which the most striking is Copey Vera (Ternstroemia peduncularis). The trees in the forest are very crooked and knotty, growing no higher than 5 meters and usually develop buttress roots. They are covered with epiphytic leaf mosses on St Eustatius, whereas in the Saban Elfin forest the main epiphytes are liverworts. One liverwort is evident, namely the Frullania genus which is able to tolerate dry conditions and can revive after drought, thus allowing them to grow hanging down from branches in areas where rains are seasonal (Augustinus et al., 1985). The herb layer is well developed with, for instance, Begonias and Pepper plants (Piperaceae).
Montagne thickets. The vegetation between heights of 250-350 meters differs from the leeward to windward sides of the volcano,. Seasonal communities are found on the leeward side, whilst, on the windward side, montagne thickets are dominant. This vegetation typically only has one relatively low canopy layer composed of evergreens with thin trunks and small crowns. The bush layer has been replaced by a rich herb layer containing species such as Organ Mountain laceleaf (Anthurium cordatum), Mountain Manna (Begonia Retusa) and Mountain Grass (Scleria lithosperma). This vegetation layer is also rich in mosses (Stoffers, 1956).
Semi-evergreen seasonal forest. The North Western slope of The Quill is predominantly covered in natural semi-evergreen seasonal forest. Stoffers (1956) called this area of forest the best example of semi-evergreen seasonal forest of the windward islands of the Netherlands Antilles. Two layers can be distinguished, a shrub layer and a sparse ground vegetation with most adult trees having low branches and umbrella-shaped crowns. In a similar way to the other forest types, lianas are abundant, but epiphytes are relatively scarce and the moss flora is relatively rich compared to the number of liverwort species evident (Augustinus et al., 1985). Dominant tree species are the Cotton Tree (Ceiba pentandra), White Cedar (Tabebuia hetrophylla), Locust Tree (Hymenea courbaril), Yellow Plum (Spondias mombin) and the Gum Tree (Bursera simaruba).
Dry evergreen forest on The Quill - bromeliads and Copey (Clusia major) (source: Rojer, 1997), part of The Quill crater is used for cultivation of bananas (source: Jan Blok)
Deciduous seasonal forest. This zone flourishes at 250-350m altitude on the southern and south western slopes (Stoffers, 1956), and is typified by a greater number of deciduous species than in the semi-evergreen seasonal forest. Mappo (Pisonia subcordata) dominates the tree layer, making up more than 50% of the vegetation. The bush layer is very dense and diverse and, in more open areas, bromeliads and cacti account for the majority of the ground cover. Both the number of true mosses and number of liverworts here is lower than in the semi-evergreen seasonal forest (Augustinus et al., 1985). At this altitude, the upper parts of the northern slopes are covered with secondary vegetation derived from seasonal forest.
White Wall/Sugar Loaf The vegetation on and near the White Wall and Sugar Loaf features of The Quill is characterised by the limestone soil.
Evergreen bush land. At the top of White Wall the vegetation is xerophytic. Stoffers (1956) classified the vegetation community here as evergreen bush land, as it shares some similarities with other dry evergreen communities. This vegetation type is common in the Antilles, but only on limestone substrates. A layer of bush-like trees of about 4m height is dominant, with a few higher emergent trees. Several species of this community are also found in littoral (shoreline) woodland.
Rock pavement vegetation. Few plants can colonise the steep walls of White Wall and Sugar Loaf. This rock pavement vegetation, similar to other evergreen communities, is composed of only few species among which are Coastal strumfia (Strumfia maritime) – also known as the Mosquito bush, Sea Grape (Coccoloba uvifera) and Bitter Pod (Urechites lutea).
Sugar loaf and White wall showing areas of evergreen bush land and vegetation growing on steep slopes (source: Kalli De Meyer)
The Boven. The Boven and the surrounding areas are almost completely covered with secondary woodland that is similar to Evergreen Bush Land. On the slopes closer to the Kultuurvlakte, seasonal thorny woodland vegetation dominates.
Image 1: View of The Quill with the hills of The Boven sub-sector in the foreground (source: R.J. van Oosten).
Seasonal Thorny Woodland Acacia species are dominant in most areas. Trees that prefer wetter soil conditions, such as the Sugar Apple (Annona squamosa) and the Kinnup tree (Mellicocca bijuga) grow in valleys that channel water after rain showers. The ground under the trees is usually covered with prickly pears of the genus Opuntia. Vines such as the Passionflower (Passiflora sp.) and the Cockspur (Pisonia aculeate) are abundant. The steep slopes of the Boven are generally covered with bushes, dominated by Wild Sage (Lantana sp.). Few mosses and liverworts grow in the Boven sub sector due to the exceptionally dry conditions.
View from Signal Hill with typical vegetation in the foreground including Acacia bushes (source: Jan Blok).
List of regionally important species (flora and fauna) List here ONLY those species protected by international agreements, particularly those species included in Annexes I, II and III of the Protocol, which are present in the area. Any other species may be listed if it is clearly considered of regional importance given its high representation in the area. Display the species under the headings Marine Plants, Terrestrial Plants, Invertebrates, Fish, Amphibians and Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals. For each species state: a) Its relative abundance as Common (C), Uncommon (U) or Occasional (O), b) Its global status as rare (r), endemic (e), and/or threatened (t), and c) Its status as an important resident population (R), or important for its breeding (B), feeding (F) or migratory passage (M). SPECIES Rel. Abundance Global STATUS Local STATUS (C) (U) (O) (r) (e) (t) (R) (B) (F) (M) Terrestrial Plants Orchids: (O) (t) (R) Epidendrum ciliare* (all orchids) (all orchids) (all orchids) Psychilis correllii* Microchilus hirtellus* Microchilus plantagineus* Brassavola cucullata* Polystachya concreta* Tolumnia urophylla* Spiranthes elata / Cyclopogon elatus* Spiranthes lanceolate / Sacoila lanceolata* Jacquiniella globosa* Liparis nervosa*
Statia Morning Glory Ipomoea sphenophylla (O) (e) (R)
Cactus: Opuntia triacantha (U) (t) (R) Hylocereus trigonus (U) (t) (R) Tree fern: Cyathea spp. (O) (t) (R)
Agave van grolae (O)` (e) (R) (St Kitts bank only) Reptiles and Amphibians Iguana delicatissima (O) (t) (R) Alsophis rufiventris (U) (e) (R) (St Eustatius and Saba) Chelonia mydas (O) (t) (B) Eretmochelys imbricata (O) (t) (B) Dermochelys coriacea (O) (t) (B) (turtles listed as they occasionally use the NP beaches for nesting) Birds Orthorhyncus cristatus (U) (r)/(t) (R) Eulampis jugularis (O) (r)/(t) (R) Eulampis holosericeus (O) (r)/(t) (R) Phaethon aethereus (U) (r)/(t) (B) Geotrygon mystacea (C) (r)/(t) (R) Aleania martinica (C) (r)/(t) (R) Margarops fuscatus (U) (r)/(t) (R) Cinclocerthia ruficauda (O) (r)/(t) (R) Loxigilla noctis (C) (r)/(t) (R) Falco sparverius caribaeum (C) (t) (R) UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 6
Flora: Description in a few sentences of the main plant assemblages significant in the area
Evergreen seasonal forest is the dominant habitat of the Quill sector, and dominated by Cotton Tree (Ceiba pentandra), Yellow Plum (Spondias mombin) and Laurel (Phoebe elongata). Shrub and herb layers beneath the canopy are dominated by liana (Iperaceae sp) and ferns with a rich moss flora. Unique Elfin Forest is found at the top of the Quill on Mount Mazinga and dominated by Wild Balsam (Clusia major) and Copey Vera (Ternstroemia peduncularis) and includes liverworts such as Frullania spp.
The drier Boven sector is typified by Seasonal Thorny Woodland. Acacia, Agave and Cactus species are dominant throughout the hills and wild fruit trees grow in valleys (Sugar Apple Annona squamosa and Kinnup Mellicocca bijuga) surrounded by abundant vines such as passionflower (Passiflora sp) and Cockspur (Pisonia aculeata). Steeper slopes are generally covered with bushes such as Wild Sage (Lantana sp.).
Fauna: Description in a few sentences, which are the main fauna populations present in the area
The fauna assemblages are dominated by birds, reptiles and one snake species. The Quill and Boven are resident to many rare species of birds, some of which are commonly found in localized areas, such as Scaly Breasted Thrashers (Margarops fuscus), Bridled Quail Dove (Geotrychon mystacea), Zenaida Dove (Zenaida aurita aurita), and Lesser Antillean Bullfinch (Loxigilla noctis coryi). Noteably, 100-200 pairs (representing over 1% of the global population) of the Red-billed Tropicbirds (Phaethon aethereus) are breeding on steep hillsides of the Quill / Boven National Park. A widely distributed bird of prey is the island signature bird known as the Killy Killy or American Kestrel (Falco sparverius caribaeum). The range of the Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) is increasingly restricted on surrounding islands but is found within the National Park with an estimated population of 425 in 2005. Tree lizards and ground lizards are abundant. The Red-bellied Racer snake is endemic to St Eustatius and Saba and is commonly observed in the National Park. UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 7
HUMAN POPULATION AND USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES (Point B of the Guidelines; Cultural and Socio-economic criteria).
Human population a) Inhabitants inside the area:
Permanent Number Date of data Seasonal number (additional to permanent) 0 2010 0 2010 Description of the population: n/a
Main human settlements and their populations n/a
b) Inhabitants within the zone of potential direct impact on the protected area Number Date of data 3200 2009 Permanent Seasonal number (additional to permanent) n/a
Description of the population:
The island of St Eustatius is populated by 3200 permanent residents based in the town of Oranjestad with scattered settlements around the town and on main roads. UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 8
Main human settlements and their populations
Oranjestad – 3200 population
Current human use and development a) Briefly describe the current use of the area by subsistence, artisan, commercial and recreational fishing, hunting, tourism, agriculture and other economic sectors.
The Quill / Boven National Park is not subject to any commercial or agricultural development and there are limited extraction activities for subsistence: • The Black Land Crab (Gecarcinus ruricola) is caught at night time on a periodic basis by residents collected the crab for food. There are no data available but the activity appears to be very infrequent and by a limited number of individuals. • Subsistence fishermen collect some wood to construct fish traps on the main Quill trail below and around 250m park boundary. The impact on the forest is not apparent. • Goats roam freely around the island and stray into the Quill sector, and are resident in the Boven sector due to a former long lease for a farm in Venus Bay. Goat owners and poachers visit the park to shoot these goats for food. Tourism is the main activity in the National Park. A network of hiking trails has been established in the Quill sector since 1999 when park operations commenced. Hiking trails were mapped out and construction commenced in the Boven sector in 2008 once the lease arrangement with a farmer for grazing animals in Venus Bay was legally terminated. The National Park is visited by minimum 2000 hikers every year. UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 9
b) Enter how many of the users depend on these resources, seasonality.:
ACTIVITY AND CATEGORY Estimated Seasonality No. of users FISHING n/a Subsistence Commercial, local Commercial, non local Controlled recreational Un- controlled recreational Other
TOURISM 2000 hikers p.a. Mainly November - April Regulated Unregulated Guided hikes given to Indicate the type of tourism approximately 200 hikers Tourism facilities p.a.
FOREST PRODUCTS Subsistence timber local Year round Subsistence Non-timber (for fish traps) commercial, local Non-timber Subsistence non-timber Year round commercial, non-local local (land crab collection) Timber commercial, local Timber commercial, non-local
Agriculture none Stockbreeding Aquaculture
EXTENSIVE STOCK GRAZING none Subsistence Commercial, local Commercial, non-local
OTHER ACTIVITIES UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 10
Traditional economic or subsistence uses Name any environmentally sound traditional activities integrated with nature, which support the well being of the local population. E.g. land, water use, target species, if closed seasons or closed zones are used as management techniques.
None UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 11
4. BIOLOGICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF THE SITE
This section aims at stressing the importance of the site in sustaining the natural resources of the nation and the region, as set in Art.4 of the Protocol.
PRESENCE OF REPRESENTATIVE TYPES OF COASTAL AND MARINE ECOSYSTEMS/HABITATS (Art. 4 para. 2(a) Name the type of habitats considered of Caribbean representativeness and their estimated cover (ha). ______
The National Park is home to a number of distinct habitats based on the higher moister Quill and the lower drier Boven sectors, as well as affected by the windward and leeward influence on climate. This has led to a relatively high number of species present in the habitats:
Evergreen seasonal forest (110ha) Pioneer forest (10ha) Elfin forest (5ha) Montagne thickets (25ha) Semi-evergreen seasonal forest (35ha) Deciduous seasonal forest (25ha) Evergreen bush land (5ha) Rock pavement vegetation (5ha) Seasonal thorny woodland (320ha)
PRESENCE OF HABITATS THAT ARE CRITICAL TO ENDANGERED, THREATENED OR ENDEMIC SPECIES (Art. 4 para. 2(b) A critical habitat is an area essential to the conservation of species concerned and in particular to those species included in Annexes I, II and III of the Protocol. E.g; undisturbed sand beaches where marine turtle nesting occurs; coastal lagoons where threatened fish or bird species feed or breed, nursery areas for some endangered or commercially extinct locally fishes, etc.
Name the habitat types and the species linked to it.
Evergreen seasonal forest (highest biodiversity on St Eustatius, Iguana delicatissima, Alsophis rufiventris) Elfin forest (rare habitat with wild balsam and epiphytic leaf mosses, tree fern Cyathea spp., some orchid species only found in this habitat, considered very vulnerable to human activity) Montagne thickets (Alsophis rufiventris) Semi-evergreen seasonal forest (several species of orchid including Brassavola cucullata, this type of forest is typical to the Caribbean but has been destroyed on a wide scale to make way for buildings on other islands, Iguana delicatissima, Alsophis rufiventris, Falco sparverius) Deciduous seasonal forest (Iguana delicatissima, Alsophis rufiventris, Falco sparverius) Evergreen bush land and rock pavement vegetation (10ha) Seasonal thorny woodland (endemic Ipomoeia sphenophylla and cactus Opuntia triacantha, some species of orchid only found in this habitat, Hylocereus trigonus, Orthorhyncus cristatus, Falco sparverius, several sea bird species nesting on steep slopes including Phaethon aethereus and A. lepturus, Iguana delicatissima, Alsophis rufiventris) UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 12
PRESENCE OF PRODUCTIVE ECOSYSTEMS OR NATURAL RESOURCES that provide economic or social benefits and upon which the welfare of local inhabitants is dependent. (Art. 4 para. 2(c) of the Protocol and B. Cultural and Socio-Economic Criteria (a and b) of the Guidelines)
Name the habitat types and the economic or social benefit to local inhabitants linked to it.
None
OTHER RELEVANT FEATURES (Art. 4 para 2(d) of the Protocol and B. Cultural and Socio-Economic Criteria (b and c) of the Guidelines)
Educational Interest E.g. particular values for activities of environment education or awareness
Guided hikes for school children and outings associated with monthly environmental school lessons (focusing on erosion, medicinal plants, fruit trees, butterflies, birds, geology).
Scientific Interest Explain if the site represents a particular value for the research in the field of natural sciences. There is very little published information about the fauna and flora of the National Park. A 2008 survey of flora in the Quill / Boven revealed a new species to science (Eremothecella microcephalica a lichen found in the Quill sector (Sipman, 2009)) and 2008 and 2009 orchid surveys confirmed three new orchid species for St Eustatius. A rapid entomological survey revealed 31 new species to St Eustatius in 2008. New areas of the endemic Ipomoeia sphenophylla were discovered in 2009. Visiting researchers plan additional site visits to finalise species inventories and establish further values for research. There is existing collaboration in the region with the University of Puerto Rico, as well as internationally with the New York Botanical Garden and Wageningen University Netherlands, amongst others. Historical and archaeological features Name and briefly describe any outstanding historical features, monuments or sites.
St Eustatius has a rich history, which is evident as there are outstanding archaeological sites in the National Park. These include two monuments (forts at Gilboa Hill and Signal Hill which are currently under process of being listed as national monuments), 1 battery, 10 slave villages, 3 plantation industrial areas (including Sugar Mill, Distillery), 1 plantation owner’s site, plantations and related roads and dozens of dry-laid stone walls with many artifact scatters from the 16th and 17th century. Map attached in annexe 3. UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 13
Aesthetic Interest Name and briefly describe any outstanding natural features, landscapes or seascapes (example: the presence of pristine sites for their use as reference sites)
There are several outstanding natural features: • The cone of the extinct volcano in the Boven Sector – ‘Bergje’ • The perfectly formed and almost circular ash volcano cone with vegetated crater – ‘Quill’, unique in the region • The limestone formation, ‘White Wall’ and ‘Sugar Loaf’ originally formed on the sea bed and forced up at 40º during an active tectonic period. • Views across St Eustatius and neighbouring islands Saba, St Maarten, St Barths, St Kitts, Nevis (and sometimes Montserrat) from Mazinga Peak, Panorama Point, Boven, Gilboa and Bergje hills.
Main cultural features Indicate if the area has high representative value with respect to the cultural heritage, due to the existence of environmentally sound traditional activities integrated with nature, which support the well-being of local populations such as indigenous communities.
The main cultural value is the education and awareness of the local population about the historical values of the National Park. A new fort (Gilboa Fort) was discovered during an archaeological survey by the National Park in 2007, the sugar mill, ovens, stone walls and distillery have been cleared for easy access. The National Parks staff take school children and adult groups on guided tours to the historical features. UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 14
5. IMPACTS AND ACTIVITIES AFFECTING THE AREA (Article 19 (2)(h) of the Protocol)
IMPACTS AND ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE SITE
Exploitation of natural resources Assess if the current rates of exploitation of natural resources within the area (sand, water and mineral exploitation, wood gathering, fishing, grazing...) are deemed unsustainable in quality or quantity, and try to quantify these threats, e.g. the percentage of the area under threat, or any known increase in extraction rates.
Current exploitation is sustainable.
Threats to habitats and species Mention any serious threats to terrestrial, marine or coastal habitats (e.g. fragmentation, desiccation, disturbance, pollution) or to species (e.g. disturbance, poaching, fishing and hunting, introduced alien species...) within the area. ______
It is not considered that there are any serious threats to terrestrial habitats which are protected by island law and not subject to development. An area of the Boven Sector, known as Venus Bay, may become a touristic development zone in future for eco hotels in collaboration with the government and National Park organisation. Venus Bay was a heavily grazed area with evidence of vegetation recovery since 2005 only and therefore has low biological value and is not considered as an important habitat.
Demand by an increased population and infrastructures Assess whether the current human presence or an expected increase in visitation (tourism, passage of vehicles and boats) and any human immigration into the area, or plans to build infrastructures, are considered a threat.
The current human presence in the National Park is not a threat. There is a significant capacity for increased visitation as present hiker numbers are very low (approximate 2000 p.a. including tourist and local hikers although no study has taken place to date). The plans for Venus Bay development indicate need for significant attention by the National Parks organisation to ensure it does not impact on the biological and cultural value of surrounding hills in the Boven sector. Historic and current conflicts Make a brief statement of any historic or current conflicts between users or user groups
There are no historic or current conflicts between users or user groups. The exception is the former disagreement over lease agreement between a farmer and the island government in Venus Bay in the Boven sector which was resolved via a court case in 2007. UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 15
IMPACTS AND ACTIVITIES AROUND THE SITE
Pollution Name any point and non-point sources of external pollution in the nearby areas, including solid waste, and especially those affecting water up-current. ______
There are no point and non-point sources of external polluation in the nearby area, predominantly due to the fact that the National Park is located above all development areas.
Fishing Name any type of fisheries that is not regulated or the regulations that are not efficiently enforced, in the nearby areas, including finfish, lobster, shrimp and sea turtle. ______
No fishing in this terrestrial National Park.
Other external threats, natural and/or anthropogenic Briefly describe any other external threats to the ecological, biological, aesthetic or cultural value of the area, such as regulated exploitation of natural resources, serious threats on habitats or species, increase of human presence, significant impacts on landscapes and cultural values, pollution problems, any sectoral development plans and proposed projects that are likely to influence the area in question, etc. ______
There are no other external threats to the values of the area besides the planned development in Venus Bay described above. ______
Sustainable development measure Comment whether the area is covered by an integrated coastal management plan, or bordering upon a zone under such a plan. Are there other opportunities for sustainable development provided for in the neighbouring areas? ______
A spatial development plan and zoning plan is currently under preparation by the island government with full stakeholder participation. In the meantime, an island decree was passed in December 2008 to prevent further development until March 2011 when the zoning plan will be ready. A draft copy of the spatial development plan is available upon request.
UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 16
6. EXPECTED DEVELOPMENT AND TRENDS*
The foreseeable development and trends of the site do not appear in the list of common criteria for the choice of protected marine and coastal areas that could be included in the SPAW List, as established in the Protocol and "the Guidelines and Criteria for the Evaluation of Protected Areas to be listed under SPAW". Moreover, this is not always easy to assess and it is necessary to have knowledge about the site, which is not always available to all managers of protected areas; thus, it is not obligatory to fill in the boxes in this section 6.
However, the assessment of this foreseeable evolution and trends constitutes a dynamic supplement to the static knowledge of the site, as it appears in Sections 3,4 and 5 above. Moreover, it is of significant importance for the definition of the objectives and the management plan of the site.
It thus appears desirable to bringing out the main outlines at least in respect to the following points:
EXPECTED DEVELOPMENT AND TRENDS OF THREATS TO AND PRESSURES UPON THE AREA Deal briefly in succession with: - The demographic development in and around the site - The development of economic activities (other than tourism and recreation) within the area - The development of local demand on tourism and recreation - The development of tourism pressure on the area - ______It is expected that the island of St Eustatius will develop its touristic infrastructure in the coming years, in particular with construction of small size hotels in Oranjebaai and the possibility of an eco tourist development in Venus Bay within the Boven sector.
Local demand for tourism and recreation may slowly increase due to ongoing education programmes. It is not expected that this will pose a pressure to the National Park.
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS IN THE AREA Make a brief statement of potential use conflicts between the users or group of users of the site.
There are no apparent potential use conflicts between users of the National Park. The designation of the National Park and lack of development opportunity is clear. Most of the land is government land. There is some privately owned land but there have not been any protests about lack of ability to develop this land since the National Park was established in 1998.
*By expected development and trends are meant the development, which is thought most likely to occur in the absence of any deliberate intervention to protect and manage the site. UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 17
EXPECTED DEVELOPMENT AND TRENDS OF THE NATURAL LAND ENVIRONMENT AND LANDSCAPES OF THE AREA: as expected arising from the evolution of the pressures. ______
Ongoing climate action continues to influence the landscape of the National Park. The dormant volcano ‘the Quill’ last erupted about 400AD and is considered dormant due to presence of 70ºC water in bored wells around the volcano’s base. The volcano is monitored locally via seismic units and remotely via satellite. There are frequent landslides due to earth tremors and heavy rain that affect National Park activities, in particular trail maintenance.
The Boven sector forms the remnant of hills formed during the active period of an extinct volcano that last erupted 1 million years ago. These hills continue to erode over time.
Sea level rise would not impact this National Park in the near future.
EXPECTED DEVELOPMENT AND TRENDS OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND SEASCAPES OF THE AREA: as expected arising from the evolution of the pressures. ______
Not applicable to this terrestrial National Park UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 18
7. LEGAL FRAMEWORK (Articles 3, 4, 5 et 6 of the Protocol and Para. C of the Guidelines)
LEGAL STATUS
Historical background of the protection of the site ______
In accordance with a national policy to designate one terrestrial and one marine national park on each island of the Netherlands Antilles, the island government declared the Statia Marine Park in 1996 and the Quill/Boven National Park in 1997. The Quill / Boven National Park was protected by island ordinance in 1997 (see Annexe 2) and declared the first National Park of the Netherlands Antilles by the Minister of Public Health and Social Development of the Netherlands Antilles at the National Nature Forum held at St Eustatius in 1998.
The island government delegated management of the Quill / Boven National Park to the NGO, St Eustatius National Parks Foundation by means of a management letter in 1998 (see Annexe 2). In compliance with terms of the management letter, the first management plan was completed by the Netherlands State Forestry Service for St Eustatius National Parks in 1999 (Beheersplan Quill/Boven National Park 2000-2004). A second management plan was prepared during 2007 and 2008 with stakeholder involvement and was finalized in 2009 (Annexe 4)
Legal texts currently ruling the protection on the site Enter the national conservation category, the dates and the present enforcement status of the legal instrument declaring the protection of the area. Consider both the land and the marine areas of the site. Include the full text(s) as an annex. ______
Eiland verordening St Eustatius 1997 Bescherming van fauna en flora (AB1997/06) active Eiland verordening St Eustatius 1997 Bescherming van fauna en flora (AB1997/07) active (English translations in annexe 2, Dutch version available on www.mina.vomil.an/legislation/StEustatius
Objectives Name in order of importance the objectives of the area as stated in its legal declaration
One objective in the legal declaration: Protection and conservation of fauna and flora as well as unique or outstanding landscapes Indicate whether the national protection regime arises from international treaties enforced or from implementation measures of treaties (Art. 5 of the Protocol). ______UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 19
INTERNATIONAL STATUS
International category Mention if an area, or part of it, has been designated and on what date, with an international conservation category (e.g. Biosphere Reserve, Ramsar site, World heritage site, etc.) ______
Two important bird areas (IBA) were declared in 2008 (Important Bird Areas in the Caribbean, Birdlife International) on the basis of nine species that variously trigger the IBA criteria for restricted-range birds and congregatory birds:
Quill IBA (AN008) Boven IBA (AN007)
PREVIOUS LEGAL BACKGROUND AND LAND TENURE ISSUES Briefly mention if the area or part of it is subject to any legal claim, or to any file open in that connection within the framework of an international body. Describe the land tenure regimes within the area, and append a map if existing. ______
There is no current legal claim or any file open in connection with a legal claim. There is no map available of land tenure in the area but most is public land owned by government. UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 20
LEGAL PROVISIONS FOR MANAGEMENT (Article 5 of the Protocol)
Basic regulations Mention the provisions, which apply to the area concerning the implementation of Article 5 of the Protocol.
The management of the Quill / Boven National Park is clearly designated by the island government to an independent NGO, St Eustatius National Parks, which has a clear statute to protect biodiversity on St Eustatius. The management plan is required by the island government and is a current working document (Annexe 4) and which covers all the provisions included in Article 5 of the Protocol to protect the National Park. Furthermove, the national and island laws enable staff of the NGO to actively enforce the law.
Legal competencies Mention in which way do the legal provisions clearly establish the institutional competencies and responsibilities for the administration and conservation of the area, and if being the case, their co-ordination means, including those between land and sea authorities.
The 1997 ordinances and associated 1998 management letter from the island government to St Eustatius National Parks foundation sets out the mechanisms for active management of the National Park and associated responsibilities for administration and conservation of the area. Staff of the National Parks have the competency and are trained and ‘sworn in’ as Special Agents of Police to enforce the National Park regulations and issue reports, verbal or written warnings or ‘Proces Verbal’ for prosecution of offenders. National Park staff use a 2008 Legislation Handbook (Annexe 5) as a reference guide for stakeholders and park visitors.
Other legal provisions Describe any other relevant legal provisions, such as those requiring a management plan, the establishment of a local participation body, binding measures for other institutions or economic sectors present in the area, allocation of financial resources and tools, or any other significant measures concerning the protection and management of the area or its surrounding zones. ______
The St Eustatius National Parks Foundation is required by the Island Government to produce a management plan for the Quill / Boven National Park.
The island government provides a monthly subsidy towards the operations of the Quill / Boven National Park (2009 subsidy was Naf 225,000 or US$126,000). Income from National Park fees and guided hikes supplement the income for the operations of the park. UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 21
8. MANAGEMENT Article 6 of the Protocol state that each Party shall adopt and implement planning, management and enforcement measures for Protected areas. Through paragraph D of the Guidelines, the Parties also agree that the sites included in the SPAW List must have a management framework and a research and monitoring programme that allows for assessing the effectiveness of the management scheme.
INSTITUTIONAL LEVEL
Authority/Authorities responsible for the area (management body) Guidelines Paragraph D.I.(b) ______
The authority with full responsibility for the Quill / Boven National Park is St Eustatius National Parks Foundation, a foundation established on St Eustatius and registered with the St Maarten Chamber of Commerce.
Other participants in the management body Such as other relevant stakeholders and local communities, as stated in section D.III. of the Guidelines.
The Board of Directors of St Eustatius National Parks Foundation includes stakeholder representation upon invitation or request. Current stakeholders represented on the board include: the island government beautification committee coordinator, the President of Statia Pride Foundation and a nominated dive centre. A nominated representative from fishermen has a standing invitation since 2004 but no one has stepped forward to take the seat.
Participants in other committees or bodies Such as a scientific committee, advisory board or a body of representatives from the local stakeholders, the public, the professional and non-governmental sectors. ______• The Manager of St Eustatius National Parks is the scientific advisor for St Eustatius for CITES. • The Manager of St Eustatius is a member of several island committees including the Venus Bay development committee and the oil spill contingency committee. • The Manager of St Eustatius National Parks has a nominated seat on the umbrella foundation Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA), a network of protected areas for the 6 islands of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, and is currently the elected Chair person of DCNA. • All EIAs for St Eustatius must be reviewed by St Eustatius National Parks. MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
Management framework (D.I in the Guidelines) State if there is a management framework or management plan and include the documents as an annex.
The current management plan (2009) is included as Annexe 4 (emailed as a separate document). Formulation and approval of the management framework Mention how the management framework was formulated, e.g. by an expert team and /or under consultation and/or participation with other institutions or stakeholders. State the legal status of the management framework, whether it is officialized, and how, and if it is binding for other institutions and sectors involved in the area.
The management plan was written to assist both staff and Board by providing a solid framework for reference, decision-making and planning. The management plan aims to ensure continuity of management effort and allow stakeholders and other interest groups to understand and participate in the planning process (as illustrated below).
Contextual research
Establish; - Vision, Mission and Goals (strategic statements) - Content and structure
Consult stakeholders Update contextual information and review Integrate stakeholder strategic statements input into Initial Draft Management Plan
Review by Management, Staff and board 3-5 year Review of the status of the Management Plan Preparation of first draft
Review of Draft by key stakeholders Ongoing feedback, developments, updates.
Preparation of Final Draft
Peer Review Implementation
Preparation of Final Document
The DCNA Management planning process.
The stages in Blue indicate the consultative parts of the process (2007 and 2008 meetings, TV, radio interviews, stakeholder questionnaires), Orange represents the formal development of the management plan and those in Purple to the right provide the necessary feedback for adaptive management.
Background information collection and preparation for stakeholder consultations started in September 2007. Field information and stakeholder positioning meetings were held in December 2007. Formal stakeholder input into the management plan was conducted during April 2008, with meetings held over a one-week period. The draft management plan was submitted to the Executive Council of the Island Government for their approval. No comments were received and the final management plan was handed over to the Executive Council in January 2009 and considered approved.
Zoning and objectives. (Para. D(I)(c) of the Guidelines.) Briefly state if the management framework provides for different zones to allocate different management objectives of the area (e.g. core and scientific zones in both land and sea, fishing zones, visitation, anchoring, gathering, restoration zones, etc.) and in this case the surface area in ha of these zones. Include a map as an annex. ______There are no zones within the National Park at present though this is a possibility in future.
Information and knowledge available. (Para D(I)(d) of the Guidelines)
a) Briefly describe the extend of knowledge of the area, considering at least specific maps, main ecological processes, habitat distribution, inventories of species and socio- economic factors, such as artisan fishing. Assess the state of knowledge in each field (low, medium, satisfactory). ______
A 1996 Biological Inventory sets out the existing knowledge of the Quill / Boven National Park and related biodiversity. This document sets out the habitat distribution, and existing inventories of species. The state of knowledge based on this document is low.
A 2004 series of reptile and amphibian research studies completed the inventory for reptiles and amphibians on St Eustatius. This state of knowledge is satisfactory.
Additional inventories are underway including:
• Flora inventory, butterfly inventory, insect inventory
No socio-economic study has been carried out due to very limited subsistence use of the National Park only. b) Quote the main publications, information on traditional, scientific, technical and management knowledge that have been used to set up planning, management and enforcement measures. A-Kum, J. R. (2006). Visitor Statistics. St.Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation. Anon. (2006). Climatological Summary for St Eustatius. Meteorological Service for the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, http://www.weather.an/climate/eux.climsum.htm. Augustinus, P. G. E. F., Mees, R. P. R. & Prins, M. (1985). Biotic and abiotic components of the landscape of St Eustatius (Netherlands Antilles), Natuurwetenschappelijke Studiekring voor Suriname en de Nederlandse Antillen. Bacon, P. R. (1978). Flora and fauna of the Caribbean, an introduction to the ecology of the West Indies. Key Caribbean Publications Ltd,, Port of Spain, Trinidad. C.E.P. (1998). Manual for Sand Dune Management in the Wider Caribbean, pp. 66. Caribbean Environment Programme, United Nations Environment Programme. CBS. (2001). The Netherlands Antilles Statistical Orientation 2004, pp. 18. Central Bureau of Statistics, Fort Amsterdam, Curacao. CBS. (2005). Central Bureau of Statistics: www.cbs.an. Collier, N. & Brown, A. (1996). Waterbirds in St Eustatius (Statia). Environmental Protection i the Caribbean (EPIC). De Palm, J. (1985). Encyclopedie van de Nederlandse Antillen. De Walburg Pers, Zutphen. Deane, C., Thom, M. & Edmunds, H. (. 1973.). Eastern Caribbean coastal investigations, 1970-1973. University of the West Indies,, Trinidad. Dilrosun, F. (2004). Inventory of the Fishery sector of St Eustatius, pp. 14. Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Island Territory of CURAÇAO. Howard, R. A. (1974). Flora of the Lesser Antilles. Orchidaceae. Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University, Massachusetts. Husson, A. M. (1960). De Zoogdieren van de Nederlandse Antillen. Uitgaven "Nat.Wet.Werkgr.N.A.", Curaçao. Ippel, J. (2000). Introduction to the geomorphology of the Island of St Eustatius. Translation by the St Eustatius Historical Foundation. Janzen, D. M. (1988). Tropical dry forests: the most endangered major tropical ecosystem. In Biodiversity (ed. E.O.Wilson), pp. 130-137. National Academy Press, Washington D.C. Lazell, J. D. (1972). The Anoles (Sauria, Iguanidae) of the Lesser Antilles. Bull.Mus.Comp.Zoo 143, 1-28. Lee, T. N., Johns, W. E., Zantopp, R. & Fillenbaum, E. R. (1996). Moored observations of western boundary current variability and thermohaline circulation 26.5°N in the subtropical North Atlantic. Journal of Physical Oceanography , 962-963. Nellis, D. W. & Everard, C. O. R. (1983). The Biology of the Mongoose in the Caribbean. Stud.Fauna Cur.& Car.Isl. LXIV, 1-162. Powell, R., Henderson, R. W. & Parmerlee, J. S. J. (2005). The Reptiles and Amphibiales of the Dutch Caribbean. Reptile Education and research publishing, Kansas City, Missouri. Rojer, A. (1997). Biological inventory of St Eustatius, pp. http://www.mina.vomil.an/Pubs/RojerSXM-index.html. Carmabi Foundation, Curacao. Roobol, J. M. & Smith, A. L. (2004). Volcanology of Saba and St. Eustatius, Northern Lesser Antilles, pp. 320. Department of Geology, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez. St, Eustatius, Historical & Foundation. (2006). St Eustatius History and Archaeology. http://www.steustatiushistory.org/StatiaHistoryandArchaeology.htm. Staatsbosbeheer. (2000). Management plan Quill/Boven national park 2000/2004; Beheersplan Quill/Boven national park 2000 t/m 2004. Staatsbosbeheer, Driebergen. Stoffers, A. L. (1956). Studies on the Flora of Curacao and Other Caribbean Islands. Stoffers, A. L. (1960). Vegetation on the Windward Islands of the Netherlands Antilles. The vegetation of Saba. The Vegetation of St. Eustatius. Schakels. Westermann, J. H. (1957). De Geologische Geschiedenis der drie Bovenwindse eilanden St.Martin, Saba en St. Eustatius. Nat.Wet.Werkgr.N.A 7, 127-168. Westermann, J. H. & Kiel, H. (1961). The Geology of Saba and St. Eustatius, with notes on the Geology of St. Kits, Nevis and Montserrat (Lesser Antilles). Uitgaven "Nat.Wet.Studiekr. Sur.& N.A.", Utrecht. UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 23
Contents of the management framework State the degree of detail in the framework by entering YES or NO in the following list of potential contents: ______
Detailed management objectives Existin ginM Zoning YES Regulations for each zone NO Governing body(s) YES YES Management programmes as:
Administration Protection YES Natural resources management YES YES Tourism and visitation YES Education and training Research and monitoring YES Services and concessions YES Fund raising activities NO Periodic revisions of the MF YES YES
CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES By Article 6 of the Protocol the parties agree to adopt and implement planning, management and enforcement measures for protected areas to ensure the effective implementation of the measures set out in Article 5.
Boundaries and signing Briefly state if the boundaries of the area and its zones are adequately marked in the field, both on land, in the sea, and at the principal points of access. ______The boundaries are indicated at points of access on visitor map signage, as well as on interpretation signage at the National Park Visitor Centre and airport. The boundaries are not marked with a fence or physical demarcation.
Institutional collaboration Name the different national and local institutions or organisations with legal responsibilities or involved in the protection and surveillance of land and sea zones, and any measures or mechanism through which their co-ordination is pursued. ______UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 24
Surveillance Consider the adequacy of the existing protection means (human and material), and your present ability to survey land and sea uses and accesses. ______No national and local institutions are involved in protection or surveillance of the National Park.
Enforcement Briefly consider the adequacy of existing penalties and powers for effective enforcement of regulations, whether the existing sanctions can be considered sufficient to dissuade infractions, and in the field staff is empowered to impose sanctions. ______Five staff of the National Parks organisation were empowered as special agents of police in 2006. Two staff are remaining, and new staff are on the waiting list for the police course. The two existing special agents of police on staff are able to issue warnings and process verbal for violations. The maximum penalty for damage to fauna, flora or landscape of the National Park is Naf 5,000 (US$2,809). This is low however there have been no violations in the National Park and therefore it is considered sufficient for effective enforcement.
IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISM. (Paragraph D.IV of the guidelines).
Public awareness and education programme Mention if the management framework has public awareness and education programmes for users, decision-makers and the public (Guidelines paragraph D.IV(b)) and in this case briefly describe the main thrust of the programmes. ______• School nature and environment curriculum: staff visit each of the four primary schools to give one lesson each month to each school class (aged 4-12) about nature and environment. • A quarterly newsletter about current activities is distributed electronically and in print form locally • A monthly radio programme is organized the first Thursday of each month to discuss current activities or research • The website is updated regularly www.statiapark.org • An annual meeting is held for the public about the organisation activities • About 3-5 public presentations are given each year about research topics Monitoring programme Mention if the management framework has a research and monitoring programme that allows for the effectiveness of the management scheme to achieve the conservation goals. (Guidelines paragraph D.IV(c)). a) Is there a monitoring programme? YES b) If NO, are there plans to start one, and when? c) If YES, briefly describe the main thrust of the monitoring programme with regard to the conservation goals. Assess as low, medium, satisfactory, its adequacy and present level of development:
A strategic summary in the management plan incorporates management planning and extensive stakeholder input, summarizing interaction between the goals, issues and strategies. The issues are evaluated, reviewed and reported on an annual basis by the DCNA management effectiveness project (see data reported in 2008 annual report). This is adequate for evaluation of conservation goals and reporting to the different institutions and stakeholders. UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 25 d) If YES, who is/are carrying out the monitoring programme?
Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance
e) If YES, briefly describe how the monitoring programme will be used in reviewing the management framework. ______
Results from the management effectiveness project are incorporated into annual reports about the national park. The revision of the management plan in 2014 will incorporate the monitoring programme feedback.
EVALUATION
Briefly describe the indicators set up to measure the management success (Guidelines paragraph. D.II). (Indicators may, for instance, supply information about species status, condition of the ecosystem, land-use changes, extraction of natural resources; sand, water, game, fish, visiting, adherence to the provisions of the management plan, etc.) ______
The indicators developed to measure management success are fairly detailed and the handbook for completing the management success data each year presented in Annexe 7. UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 26
Management effectiveness As stated in section D.V. of the Guidelines, assess as very low, low, moderate, satisfactory very satisfactory, and comment as needed on the following aspects:
a) Effectiveness of the conservation and management measures on biophysical features with regard to this objectives; ______
Very satisfactory
b) Quality of involvement by the public, local communities, economic sectors, scientific community: Very satisfactory UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 27
9. AVAILABLE RESOURCES
HUMAN RESOURCES (Article 6.2(i) of the Protocol)
Available staff Assess the adequacy of the human resources available to the management body, in number of employees and training level, both in central headquarters and in the field. Indicate if there is staff training programmes. ______
Permanent field staff Answer YES or NO on the current existence of the following FIELD staff categories. If YES, enter the number of staff either permanent or part-time in that category. YES/NO NUMBER Permanent/Part-time Field Administrator NO
Field Experts (scientific YES 0.25 monitoring) Field Technicians YES 0.5 (maintenance, etc) Wardens YES 0.5 Of which marine wardens NO Guides YES 0.5 Others NO
Additional support Briefly describe if the area currently has the advantage of other external human resources in support of its objectives, either from other national or local institutions, volunteer programmes, non-governmental organisations, academic or international organisations. Mention if there are any significant changes in prospect for the near future. ______
In addition to office based staff (one office manager and one director), the area has one full time intern, rotating every 6 months and groups of volunteers who come for two month periods from Working Abroad and work on trail construction 3 mornings per week. UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 28
FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND EQUIPMENT By Article 6 of the Protocol the Parties agree to adopt measures or mechanisms to ensure the financing of the Specially protected areas (Art. 6.2(f)), and the development of an appropriate infrastructure (Art.6.2(i)). Paragraph D of the Guidelines call upon the Parties to provide the areas with adequate management means.
Present financial means Note if the basic financing is ensured: a core funding for basic staff, protection and information measures. Who provides the core funding? Briefly assess the degree of adequacy of the present financial means for the area, either low, moderate, satisfactory; e.g. the implementation of the management plan, including protection, information, education, training and research. ______The present financial means are low for implementation of the management plan. There is extremely low core funding for basic park operations from government as well as funds from income from fees and guided hikes and for equipment through the volunteer programme.
Expected or additional financial sources Briefly describe any alternative sources of funding in use or planned, and the perspectives for long-term funding from national or other sources. ______Long-term funding prospects are excellent, through a Trust Fund set up by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which will pay out for operational costs of the National Park from 2016. The constitutional change of the Netherlands Antilles in October 2010 means that there may be additional technical or financial support from the Netherlands as St Eustatius becomes a municipality.
Basic infrastructure and equipment Answer YES or NO to the following questions. YES/NO Office and/or laboratory in the field YES
Signs on the main accesses YES Guard post on the main accesses NO Visitors information centre YES Self guided trails with signs YES Terrestrial vehicles YES Marines vehicles n/a Radio and communications YES Environment awareness materials YES Capacity to respond to emergencies YES
Comment on basic infrastructure and equipment Equipment includes trail maintenance tools, and carpentry tools for signage. UNEP(DEC)/CAR WG.29/4.Rev.1 Page 29
10. CONTACT ADDRESSES (name(s), position(s) and contact address(es) of the person(s) in charge with the proposal and that complied the report) ______
Nicole Esteban Manager, St Eustatius National Parks, National Parks Visitor Centre, Gallows Bay, St Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles
11. SIGNATURE (S) ON BEHALF OF THE STATE (S) PARTY/PARTIES MAKING THE PROPOSAL
12. DATE
16 March 2010 Figure 1. Overview of the boundaries (in orange) of the Quill / Boven National Park showing the position of St Eustatius within the Caribbean basin (inset)
(sent by email) Figure 2. Detailed map of the Boven sector of the Quill / Boven National Park
(sent by email) Figure 3. Detailed map showing boundaries and features of Quill sector of the Quill / Boven National Park
(sent by email) Annex 2 Island Legislation (translated from Dutch) declaring the National Park
ISLAND TERRITORY OF ST. EUSTATIUS
Netherlands Antilles
AB1997 ST. EUSTATIUS Nr. 6
DECREE
The island committee of island territory of St. Eustatius, during a meeting held on 30 December 1996, determined the following:
ISLAND ORDINANCE relating to the protection of flora and fauna on the island of St. Eustatius or the waters surrounding the island of St. Eustatius (Ordinance to Protect flora and fauna).
The Ordinance will be available for public viewing for three months from 20 March 1997 at the office of the Board.
The Ordinance will come into effect on 21 March 1997.
Hereby decreed on 20 March 1997,
The authority of the island territory of St. Eustatius.
E. R. Locadia ISLAND TERRITORY OF ST. EUSTATIUS AB1997/06
Island Ordinance relating to the protection of flora and fauna on the island of St. Eustatius or the waters surrounding the island of St. Eustatius (Ordinance to Protect flora and fauna).
The Island Committee of the island territory of St. Eustatius ;
Considers it necessary to protect and conserve the flora and fauna, as well as unique natural landscapes, in order to keep the natural inheritance intact.
Having read the advice of the island government dated 18 April 1996 ;
HEREBY AGREES
To lay down the following island regulation:
CHAPTER 1, General Conditions
Article 1
The following terms are to be understood in this Ordinance and any additional Ordinances: a. Island government: Island government on the island of St. Eustatius b. Island territory: the island territory of St. Eustatius c. Flora and fauna: the flora and fauna on land and in the territorial waters surrounding the island territory of St. Eustatius
Article 2
In case of a decree by the island, the current general measures will be designated) a. Plants, bushes, shrubs, brushwood, trees or climbing plants b. animals which are subject to special protection in this Ordinance.
CHAPTER 2, Protective Measures
Article 3
The species of flora and fauna described in Article 2 may not be: a. plucked, cut, moved, removed, collected, destroyed, disturbed, damaged, nor deliberately or accidentally damaged or destroyed as a result of malpractice. b. captured, kept, picked up, killed, wounded, nor deliberately or accidentally disturbed in their natural habitat, resulting in an actual threat and/or damage to the fauna.
Article 4
Any person keeping animals is responsible for any damage the animal may cause to the flora and fauna described in Article 2.
Article 5
The areas that are to be selected as areas of outstanding natural beauty or unique natural landscapes shall be agreed upon by way of an island decree, in accordance with existing general measures.
Article 6
It is forbidden to damage, destroy or alter areas of natural beauty or unique natural landscapes.
CHAPTER 3, Exemptions Article 7
1. Any of the items listed as protected under Articles 3 and 5 may be exempted by the island government. 2. In case of a decree by the island, in accordance with general measures, additional Ordinances may be applied to the conditions that must be fulfilled in order to be applicable for exemption.
Article 8
Exemption requests must be submitted in writing by the applicant to the island government, stating: 1. the reason 2. discussion documents to which the emergency discontinuation refers
Article 9
The island government may apply conditions or other limiting Ordinances to an exemption, which must be fulfilled before the exemption comes into effect.
Article 10
The island government shall inform the applicant in writing of the exemption and its commencement date.
Article 11
The island government shall state its reasons behind a full or partial rejection.
Article 12
1. The applicant may file a complaint against a full or partial rejection of exemption. 2. The written complaint must be submitted to the island government within one (1) month of the date of rejection. The date of receipt (eg. in good time) shall decide whether the complaint will be taken into consideration. 3. The island government must listen to the applicant prior to making a definite decision. 4. The island government shall make its final decision regarding a complaint in writing.
CHAPTER 4, Closing articles, penalty clauses
Article 13
Any person that does not comply with this Ordinance protecting flora and fauna shall face punishment of either a prison sentence of maximum one (1) month, or a fine of maximum five thousand (5,000) guilders.
Article 14
The punishable articles listed in this Ordinance are infringements of the law.
Article 15
The punishable articles listed in this Ordinance were created in cooperation with members of the local authority, except Article 8 of the Criminal Procedure Code, ….
Article 16
Any objects that may be seized when committing or having committed one or more offences listed in this Ordinance may be seized and confiscated by the judge. Article 17
This island Ordinance shall come into effect the day after it has been decreed.
Article 18
This Ordinance may be quoted as the “Ordinance to protect flora and fauna”.
Decreed during the public meeting of the island council of the island territory of St. Eustatius on 30 December 1996.
Island Secretary Island Authority
This Ordinance was decreed by me on 20 March 1997. E. R. Locadia ISLAND TERRITORY ST. EUSTATIUS
Island Ordinance relating to the protection of flora and fauna on the island of St. Eustatius or the waters surrounding the island of St. Eustatius. (Ordinance to Protect flora and fauna).
EXPLANATORY MEMO
The native flora and fauna on the island of St. Eustatius or in the territorial waters surrounding the island of St. Eustatius are to be protected as natural inheritance for future generations.
The economic developments on St. Eustatius shall undoubtedly have an effect on the natural and social environment of people, plants and animals. Careful consideration must be taken to utilise the space available for building houses, agriculture, industry and nature (conservation) in order to create a livable and controllable environment.
The aim of this Ordinance is to protect the flora and fauna from declining in quantity, quality, to avoid the loss of striking or outstanding natural areas and/or trees, and to conserve the flora and fauna in order to protect the character of the island “the historical gem of the Caribbean” as inheritance.
This Ordinance may, if necessary, be supplemented with (native) flora and fauna specimens that are protected by international law (CITES treaty). The following plants shall be protected following the introduction of this Ordinance: Ipomoea sphenophylla Iguana delicatissima Orchids and turtles, partly as a result of (inter)national laws and regulations protecting these plants and animals
The ipomoea sphenophylla can now only be found on St. Eustatius There are approximately eighteen specimens of this plants, all and only to be found on the property of Statia Terminals NV. Its unique character and extreme rarity are reason enough to protect this plant.
The number of iguana delicatissima on St. Eustatius has declined drastically and they could face total extinction on St. Eustatius.
Orchids and (sea) turtles are protected by international treaties, summarised in the CITES treaty (Convention in Trade of Endangered Species). Fifteen sorts of orchid have been counted on St. Eustatius, these being: - Epidendrum ciliare - Epidendrum diforme - Epidendrum kraenzlinii - Epidendrum secundum - Erythrodes hirtella - Erythrodes plantaginea - Brassavola cucullata - Polystachya concreta - Oncidium urophyllum - Prescottia stachyodes - Spiranthes elata - Spiranthes lanceolate - Jacqquiniella globosa - Tetramiera canaliculata - Liparis nervosa
The island government shall give the names of the plants and animals to the Department of Public Health and Environmental Hygiene of Curacao in order to place them on the CITES III treaty list.
Linking island Ordinances to international law clearly shows the vision and policy of the island government and the island council.
This explanatory memo is an initiative to emphasise the importance of protecting the environment and its surroundings.
Authority ISLAND TERRITORY OF ST. EUSTATIUS AB1997/07
Island Ordinance, in accordance with existing general conditions, relating to specimens that fall under the Ordinance to protect flora and fauna.
The island government of the island territory of St. Eustatius ;
Considers: - that it is necessary to protect and conserve the flora and fauna, as well as unique natural landscapes, in order to keep the natural inheritance intact - that it is vital to determine the following, having noted article 2 letters a. and b. and article 5 of the 1997 St. Eustatius Ordinance to protect flora and fauna.
HEREBY AGREES
To lay down the following island decision, in accordance with existing general conditions:
CHAPTER 1, Flora
Article 1
The following flora are listed as protected:
A. Ipomoea sphenophylla, also known as “Statia Morning Glory”
B. The following native plants belonging to the orchid family:
1. Epidendrum ciliare 2. Epidendrum diforme 3. Epidendrum kraenzlinii 4. Epidendrum secundum 5. Erythrodes hirtella 6. Erythrodes plantaginea 7. Brassavola cucullata 8. Polystachya concreta 9. Oncidium urophyllum 10. Prescottia stachyodes 11. Spiranthes elata 12. Spiranthes lanceolate 13. Jacqquiniella globosa 14. Tetramiera canaliculata 15. Liparis nervosa
CHAPTER 2, Fauna
Article 2
The following fauna is listed as protected:
Iguana delicatissima, a native iguana
CHAPTER 3, Natural landscapes
Article 3
The following areas of outstanding natural beauty or unique plants/trees are listed as protected:
A. The exterior slope of the volcano “The Quill” from a height of two hundred and fifty (250) metres, as well as the inside walls of the crater and the vegetation within the crater
B. The areas listed as: a. “Boven” b. “Venus” c. “Gilboa Hill” d. “Signal Hill” e. “Bergje”
C. The Kapok tree in the “Lower Town” area, as will be outlined further in appendix 1 of this decree
D. The cliff wall in the “Lower Town” area, located along the length of road from the harbour to the hairpin bend at “King’s Well”, as will be outlined further in appendix 2 of this decree
CHAPTER 4, Exemptions
Article 4
Based on article 7 of the Ordinance, exemption may be given in case of:
a. infringement of traffic safety b. threat to private property through molestation c. scientific research
Article 5
Any person seeking exemption must seek advice from: 3. the local police authorities, for traffic safety advice 4. the Public Work service of the island territory of St. Eustatius, for technical (construction) advice 5. a combination of the following organisations: - nature and environment experts in service on the island territory, the Department of Health and Environmental Hygience (Vomil), an independent institution/organisation specialising in nature, for scientific research advice
Article 6
An administrative fee of up to Naf 100,- per request shall be charged when taking exemption requests into consideration.
Article 7
A fee shall be charged for the exemption certificate, the amount of which is set out in the St. Eustatius Retribution Ordinance.
CHAPTER 5, Closing articles
Article 8
This island decree, in accordance with existing general conditions, shall come into effect the day after it has been decreed.
Decreed during the meeting held on 30 December 1996.
Island Secretary Island Authority
This Ordinance was decreed by me on 20 March 1997. E. R. Locadia Decreed (Publication board) 20 March 1997 Announced in GIB March 1997 Commencement date 21 March 1997
Sent to:
- the Governor (excluding article 1, first member of ERNA) - the Minister of Public Health and Environmental Hygiene - the KPNA Postal Officer of St. Eustatius - the deputies Mrs Bennett and Mr Woodley - Head of the LVV Department Sector - Head of the Public Space Service and Maintenance Sector - Head of the Department of Economic Affairs - Government Information Service department of St. Eustatius - St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation - St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation ISLAND TERRITORY OF ST. EUSTATIUS
Island Ordinance relating to the protection of flora and fauna on the island of St. Eustatius or the waters surrounding the island of St. Eustatius. (Ordinance to Protect flora and fauna).
EXPLANATORY MEMO
The native flora and fauna on the island of St. Eustatius or in the territorial waters surrounding the island of St. Eustatius are to be protected as natural inheritance for future generations.
The economic developments on St. Eustatius shall undoubtedly have an effect on the natural and social environment of people, plants and animals. Careful consideration must be taken to utilise the space available for building houses, agriculture, industry and nature (conservation) in order to create a livable and controllable environment.
The aim of this Ordinance is to protect the flora and fauna from declining in quantity, quality, to avoid the loss of striking or outstanding natural areas and/or trees, and to conserve the flora and fauna in order to protect the character of the island “the historical gem of the Caribbean” as inheritance.
This Ordinance may, if necessary, be supplemented with (native) flora and fauna specimens that are protected by international law (CITES treaty). The following plants shall be protected following the introduction of this Ordinance: Ipomoea sphenophylla Iguana delicatissima Orchids and turtles, partly as a result of (inter)national laws and Ordinances protecting these plants and animals
The ipomoea sphenophylla can now only be found on St. Eustatius There are approximately eighteen specimens of this plants, all and only to be found on the property of Statia Terminals NV. Its unique character and extreme rarity are reason enough to protect this plant.
The number of iguana delicatissima on St. Eustatius has declined drastically and they could face total extinction on St. Eustatius.
Orchids and (sea) turtles are protected by international treaties, summarised in the CITES treaty (Convention in Trade of Endangered Species). Fifteen sorts of orchid have been counted on St. Eustatius, these being: - Epidendrum ciliare - Epidendrum diforme - Epidendrum kraenzlinii - Epidendrum secundum - Erythrodes hirtella - Erythrodes plantaginea - Brassavola cucullata - Polystachya concreta - Oncidium urophyllum - Prescottia stachyodes - Spiranthes elata - Spiranthes lanceolate - Jacqquiniella globosa - Tetramiera canaliculata - Liparis nervosa
The island government shall give the names of the plants and animals to the Department of Public Health and Environmental Hygiene of Curacao in order to place them on the CITES III treaty list.
Linking island Ordinances to international law clearly shows the vision and policy of the island government and the island council.
This explanatory memo is an initiative to emphasise the importance of protecting the environment and its surroundings. Authority ISLAND TERRITORY OF ST. EUSTATIUS
Netherlands Antilles
AB1997 ST. EUSTATIUS Nr. 7
DECREE
The island committee of island territory of St. Eustatius, during a meeting held on 30 December 1996, determined the following:
ISLAND ORDINANCE relating to the protection of flora and fauna on the island of St. Eustatius or the waters surrounding the island of St. Eustatius (Ordinance to Protect flora and fauna).
The Ordinance will be available for public viewing for three months from 20 March 1997 at the office of the Board.
The Ordinance will come into effect on 21 March 1997.
Hereby decreed on 20 March 1997,
The authority of the island territory of St. Eustatius.
E. R. Locadia
Annexe 3 Map showing historical monuments in the National Park
Annexe 4 Quill / Boven National Park and Miriam Schmidt Botanical Garden management plan 2009
(sent by email) Annexe 5 Legislation Handbook for the National Parks of St Eustatius (2008)
(sent by email) Annexe 6 Handbook for completing management success data collection each year to evaluate management framework