A vibrant island in the Caribbean that boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem that captivates both residents and visitors alike. Covering an area of approximately 34 km² (13 mi²), Sint Maarten may be small in size, but it is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species that thrive in its tropical climate. The island’s biodiversity is spread across several distinct habitats, including stunning beaches, mangrove forests, coral reefs, and lush inland areas.

The island is renowned for its vibrant marine life, supported by extensive coral reef systems that stretch along its coastline. These reefs are home to countless species of fish, invertebrates, and other marine organisms, making Sint Maarten a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Additionally, the surrounding waters provide essential habitats for sea turtles and various migratory bird species, highlighting the island’s importance as a key area for marine biodiversity.

Four pillars elaborated:

Land Management

Protected areas are crucial for preserving Sint Maarten’s biodiversity and supporting global conservation efforts. Currently, the island is home to the Man of War Shoal Marine Park and the Mullet Pond section of the Simpson Bay Lagoon, both of which hold international significance. The Man of War Shoal Marine Park spans 3,100 hectares (31 km²) and includes diverse habitats like coral reefs and seagrass beds, providing a sanctuary for numerous marine species and actively managed by the Nature Foundation St Maarten. The Mullet Pond, designated as a Ramsar site, features vital seagrass beds and mangrove forests that serve as nursery grounds for juvenile fish.

Additionally, Fort Amsterdam is protected as a historical site and nature conservation zone, recognized as an Important Bird Area for brown pelicans. Despite these efforts, Sint Maarten currently lacks fully established terrestrial nature parks, which limits the comprehensive protection of its land-based ecosystems.

Threats to Biodiversity

Sint Maarten is home to around 400 species of conservation importance, with 62 classified as critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. The island’s diverse habitats are threatened by invasive species, land development, erosion, and pollution. Historically affected by agriculture and livestock farming, Sint Maarten now faces additional pressures from rapid tourism growth and increasing population density, which lead to habitat loss and fragmentation. Approximately 84% of the land is privately owned or leased, resulting in further encroachment into natural areas and the deterioration of seasonal evergreen forests.

In the marine environment, challenges include invasive species, pollution from runoff and maritime activities, unsustainable fishing practices, and rising sea temperatures that cause coral bleaching. Recreational activities and poaching also harm marine ecosystems. These combined threats have created uncertainty about the current status of many plant species and highlight the urgent need for effective conservation measures to protect Sint Maarten’s unique biodiversity.

Capacity and Governance

Sint Maarten’s nature protection and management are currently governed by the National Ordinance Foundations for the Management and Protection of Nature and the National Decree on Management and Protection of Nature. The government plans to consolidate all related legislation into a single National Ordinance VROMI, allowing for a comprehensive review and necessary updates.

Additionally, two key national policies support nature conservation: the Hillside Policy (1997), which aims to preserve and restore green hillsides by regulating development to prevent erosion and runoff, and the Sint Maarten Beach Policy (1995), which seeks to protect the beaches’ recreational and natural values by ensuring public access, limiting construction, and safeguarding against pollution and natural hazards. These policies will be integrated into specific zoning plans, reinforcing the legal framework to maintain and enhance Sint Maarten’s natural environments.

Future Trends

The Sint Maarten Nature Policy Plan 2021–2025 (NPP-25) outlines how the island will manage and develop its natural resources over the next five years. The plan aims to support good decision-making and help allocate resources and funding for nature-related initiatives. NPP-25 takes a comprehensive approach, focusing on communication, education, research, monitoring, and collaboration with

stakeholders. Recognizing that nature is essential for economic growth, the plan highlights the important connection between the environment and the economy, which is often overlooked in national decisions. A key goal of NPP-25 is to show how nature, the economy, and society are interconnected. It emphasizes the social and economic benefits of managing nature well and encourages integrating nature into all areas of society.

Biodiversity

Sint Maarten boasts a stunning natural environment with rich biodiversity, supporting numerous important local and global species and ecosystems. The central and eastern regions of the island feature rolling hills with three main ridges, adorned with orchids, ferns, bromeliads, orange sage, white cedar, and gum trees. Surrounding these hills are coastal lowlands dotted with ponds and lagoons, where lush vegetation provides safe havens and resting spots for a wide variety of bird species, including the national bird, the brown pelican.

In the western part of the island, Simpson Bay Lagoon stands out as one of the largest inland lagoons in the West Indies, adding significantly to Sint Maarten’s scenic beauty. The surrounding waters are home to picturesque natural harbors, vibrant coral reefs, and extensive seagrass beds. These marine areas serve as excellent feeding grounds for several endangered marine species, highlighting the island’s commitment to preserving its underwater ecosystems.