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NATURE POLICY PLAN SABA 2002 - 2007 Prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery and Nature Conservation under the cooperative agreement between LNV and VOMIL, in cooperation with the Saba Conservation Foundation. March 1998 Revised June 2002 2 Table of Contents 1. Introduction 1.1. Why a nature policy plan 1.2. Purpose of the nature policy plan 1.3. Outline of nature policy plan 1.4. Status of nature policy plan 1.5. Nature management: Organisational functions and responsibilities 2. Significance, influences and threats to the nature of Saba 2.1. Significance of the nature in Saba 2.2. Influences and threats to nature 3. Objectives of the nature policy plan 4. Protected Nature Areas 4.1. Why protected nature areas 5. Species Protection 6. Nature Policy: Correlation with other activities and management agencies 7. Implementation program 7.1. What has been achieved after the planning phase 7.2. Responsibilities of relevant agencies 7.3. Overview of actions 8. Bibliography Appendix: map with proposed protected areas 3 1. Introduction 1.1. Why a nature policy plan? Unique natural features Saba is rightfully called the "Unspoiled Queen" within the Netherlands Antilles. Its nature, its scenery and its characteristic building style impressively and uniquely determine the character of this island. This tiny 13mile2 with approximately 1600 inhabitants embraces Mt Scenery, the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The island hosts a highly varied topography due to its volcanic origins and six distinctive vegetation zones including the very exceptional cloud forest and tropical rain forest at the highest elevations. This extent of biodiversity is quite unique for an island the size of Saba. The marine environment surrounding the island is the habitat of some of the most beautiful, pristine and relatively intact coral reef areas in the Caribbean. Nature tourism and economy Saba attracts a number of tourists who visit specifically to seek out the great nature values and the tranquillity of the island. The island has much to offer in terms of diving and hiking without having to alter the fundamental character of the island. The tourism strategy of Saba has been to avoid mass tourism and focus instead on low key nature-oriented or eco-tourism. Nature-oriented tourism is actively marketed and is of great economic importance to the island. Saba offers a good example of how the relationship between nature and natural values on the one hand, and tourist development on the other hand, can be positively reinforcing. It is vital that the natural values of the island continue to be regarded as the island’s economic capital in order to ensure sustainable growth management of tourism and other economic sectors. The key concepts of this objective are understood to mean: Nature: the biological manifestations and their inter-relationships, which have developed spontaneously and are in spontaneous interaction with the abiotic environment; Biological diversity/ biodiversity: the diversity of ecosystems, of species and between species. This includes in addition to nature, also the biological manifestations cultivated and developed by man; Natural manner: under the influence of spontaneous ecological processes and in the original situation; Sustainable development: integration of social, economic and ecological development, possible for multiple generations and without depletion of natural resources. 4 Balance between conservation and development Striking a balance between nature conservation and development is necessary albeit not easy. There are a number of ongoing concerns with regards to the long-term conservation of specific and/ or intrinsic nature values of Saba while still encouraging the development of infrastructure necessary to promote and enable sustainable economic development. All economic sectors including tourism will require a specific set of policy guidelines that enables the protection or restricted use of designated nature areas that have special and unique features. The guidelines should identify the specific nature areas and outline appropriate uses or restrictions in order to protect the character of the island in the interest of the whole community. Policy guidelines will also be required to give guidance to sustainable development in the interests of economic growth and job creation. The policy guidelines for conservation and sustainable development should: Be compatible and reinforcing; Emphasize sustainable use of natural resources; and Seek to keep ecosystems and biodiversity intact i.e. development should be informed by nature values of the principle of sustainable development and protection of biodiversity. Nature policy and legal conservation measures To date the island does not have comprehensive nature policy legislation. Legal conservation measures are currently limited to the marine environment (Marine Environment Ordinance 1987). There is a need for a policy framework that includes a hierarchy of measures geared towards sustainable development and the protection of the island’s natural resources. The government of the Netherlands Antilles is signatory to a number of international agreements under the terms of Agenda 21 (UNCED, 1992), the Convention on Biological Diversity and other international conservation treaties. In this regard, the government of the Netherlands Antilles has made a specific choice for sustainable development. In the Policy Paper "Contouren van het Milieu- en Natuurbeleid" (VOMIL, 1996) it is indicated that 'caring for the environment and nature must be integrated with economic development and inform other areas of policymaking." The Island Government of Saba believes that additional content must be given to the policy on nature management, environmental planning and environmental hygiene at the local level. This paper will be formulated as the Nature Policy Plan for Saba. The Nature Policy Plan should: Examine the nature conservation needs on Saba and in the marine ecosystem around the island Provide long-term nature management objectives informed by the principle of sustainable development. Identify measures and key role players for the execution/ implementation. The Nature Policy Plan also gives content to the responsibility and obligation of local island governments to draft a local nature policy plan as stipulated in the 'Landsverordening 5 Grondslagen Natuurbeheer'. The national legislative framework requires that island governments give more content to nature conservation legislation through local nature policies. By means of the Nature Policy Plan, the Government of Saba underscores its commitment to safeguarding the nature of Saba for both current and future generations on a sustainable basis in the interest of tourism and economic development of the island. Through its own unique natural identity, Saba is contributing to the preservation of the biological diversity of the Netherlands Antilles and the greater region. 1.2. Purpose of the nature Policy Plan The Nature Policy Plan outlines the scope of nature conservation for the Island Government, non-governmental nature management organisations, private/ business sector, research institutes and the general public. The plan will serve as a basis for the collective efforts of all stakeholders to safeguard the unique natural features of the island and ensure sustainable development on Saba. This will be achieved both by conservation and the sustainable use of the ecological and environmental resources of the island. The plan also constitutes an important basis for the formulation of zoning and environmental policy plans and conforms to the "Saba, Integrated Tourism Development Master Plan" produced in 1998. The objectives of the nature policy plan are aimed at long-term sustainable development over a period of about 20 years although the execution of this specific plan is limited to the period 2002 – 2007. An evaluation of the implementation progress will be conducted at the end of the planning period and proposals will be developed for the period thereafter. 1.3. Outline of Nature Policy Plan The following sections examine the significance and the threats to the nature of Saba. The final section outlines the manner in which the policy will be executed and the key stakeholders in this execution process. 1.4. Status of Nature Policy Plan This document has no legal status whatsoever and nor is there any intention to seek legal status. The Nature Policy Plan is a vision for the protection of the nature of Saba. It is a policy documents that requires the consensus and compliance of all stakeholders on Saba. Nature protection in a sustainable way can only be secured if people are economically secure and if people share in the values of nature. The nature policy plan should guide the drafting and enforcement of legislation. It should guide development decision-making in the private sector and it should serve to raise awareness on the precious yet diminishing resource of nature that is occurring worldwide. It should provide the basis for all citizens to strive for that balance between nature and development in a sustainable way no and the future. The nature policy plan is a guidance to secure the natural qualities of Saba forever. 1.5. Nature Management: Organizational Functions and Responsibilities 6 Although Saba is a small island, the administrative responsibilities of the island government are vast. In order to be able to execute and co-ordinate the entire field of government functions, the government has delegated a number of tasks to non-governmental organisations who partner with the island government to ensure that appropriate levels of services are delivered. With regards to nature management, the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF), a nongovernmental nature management organisation plays an important advisory, preparatory and executing role in cooperation with the Island Government. The SCF is the responsible organisation for the management of the Saba National Marine Park and maintains the nature trail network in a clean and safe state. The responsibility of environmental improvement (such as waste removal, building regulations, etc.) lies with the Planning Bureau and the Public Works Department. . 2. Significance, influences and threats to the nature of Saba 2.1. Significance of the nature on Saba The unique and extensive biodiversity of the nature of Saba is an essential characteristic of the island. Mt. Scenery, a large volcano 870m high is the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and hosts many unharmed and intact ecosystems. The villages of the island are situated on the middle to lower reaches while the Saba National Marine Park at sea level surrounds the island to the 200ft depth contour. Nature on the island performs a vital function for the natural sustenance of life and for economic development. Apart from direct biological significance, the nature areas also provide the island with a unique scenic quality, which serves as a great attraction for both dive tourists and hikers who enjoy the many nature trails. Nature plays a vital regulating function for the water balance on the island (water is constantly caught from clouds in the cloud forest on the top of the mountain and passed through the ground to irrigate the island below). Nature also performs a protective function against erosion or damage by hurricanes through a natural process of regeneration, which further regulates the microclimate of the island. The healthy marine environment provides a recreational and an economic role but most importantly is an important breeding ground for many species of fish and coral. Species The diversity of plants and plant communities is exceptionally vast, and is determined by the variation in climatic conditions at the different altitudes. Above the 450 meter-contour, precipitation increases gradually until it reaches its maximum of up to 870+ meters at the top of Mt. Scenery. At the very top of Mt Scenery is the elfin forest - a cloud forest that is unique in the region, with a number of species of moss, liverworts, bromeliads, orchids and ferns. The forest collects large quantities of moisture from the air, which is filtered through the ground to the lower sections of the island. 7 The palm zone, which is situated below the cloud forest and the ravine rain forest are pristine and practically undisturbed by human activities. Lower down is the tree fern zone, a type of secondary vegetation, which exists in conditions of high humidity. The secondary rain forest zone has seriously been disturbed in the past by both natural phenomenon (e.g. hurricanes, etc.) and human activity. Small agricultural plots still exist here, although where land has been left fallow for a period, rain forest is growing back. The rainforest is among the plant communities that have some of the highest species diversity. The endemic terrestrial-based fauna on Saba does not host as much biodiversity as the marine environment due to the self-contained and relatively isolated nature of the island environment. Birds constitute the largest group of vertebrates and amphibians and reptiles constitute the second largest group with mammals as the third - bats are the only endemic species of mammal. The lizard Anolis sabanus is the only endemic species of vertebrates on the island. Several other species or subspecies of vertebrates are endemic to the Lesser Antilles and Virgin Islands: some bats, birds, reptiles and one amphibian. Of the invertebrates, very little is known and possibly several other endemic species may exist. The scorpion found on Saba is believed to be endemic. Of the total 26 species of summer birds, 15 are species of West Indian origin of which five are endemic to the Lesser Antilles and the Virgin Islands and 4 subspecies are restricted to the Lesser Antilles. In addition, it is important to mention that Saba has a population of species that is endangered elsewhere or that has even become extinct. These are the Trembler, Bridled Quail Dove, Red-necked Pigeon, American Kestrel, Red-tailed Hawk, Antillean Crested Hummingbird, Purple-throated Carib, Green-throated Carib, Audubon’s Shearwater, Red-billed Tropic bird and Racer Snake. The coastal waters around Saba contain a large variety of coral communities, fields of sea grass and algae. Both the corals and the sea grass provide nourishment to the diversity of fish, weeds, sponges, shellfish, crustaceans, and snails (among others, Conch). Various species of sea turtles are also found in the sea around Saba. The corals and sea grass constitute a very good breeding ground for all kinds of fish species - including commercial species, that disperse over the large shallow area in the sea situated further away on the Saba Bank. The Saba Bank is a large area measuring 65 x 40 km and is one of the largest existing atolls with coral in the world. It harbours a large number of fish species. The Saba Bank falls within the jurisdiction of the Netherlands Antilles while a smaller section falls within the 12-mile zone of Saba. The Saba Bank provides economic opportunities for the fishing sector while the marine park provides opportunities for tourism, which has grown since the founding of the Saba Marine Park in 1987. Based on the available data it can be concluded that Saba, as a small island, has a great variety of endemic of plant species, and a lesser variety of animal life. The surrounding sea with its corals and fish stocks is also rich in diversity. Available data on species in Saba and surrounding sea (Carmabi 1997) Flora Higher plants 520 8 - of which ferns and related species (Pteridophyta) 59 Mosses and liverworts (Bryophyta) (known) 79 Fauna - Birds 79 of which resident birds and brooding species - Reptiles and amphibians - Mammals 31 11 The bat list for Saba now stands at seven species, all with specimens to document records. 1) Jamaican Fruit Bat Artibeus jamaicensis 2) Tree Bat Ardops nichollsi 3) Lesser Antillean Fruit Bat Brachyphylla cavernarum 4) Long-tongued Bat Monophyllus plethodon 5) Velvety Free-tailed Bat Molossus mollussus 6) Brazilian Free-tailed Bat Tadarida brasiliensis 7) Funnel-eared Bat Natalus stramineus 7 04 Fish unknown Corals Invertebrates many, amount unknown of which: (> 200?) At least 30 - Land crabs - Snails - Insect Total number of animal species (known) 02 14 70 (including 27 butterflies species) > 410 Influences and threats to nature In the past the intrinsic nature of Saba was disturbed primarily by activities related to agriculture and breeding of livestock in the upper reaches of Mt. Scenery. With population growth and increased standard of living, increases in tourism and construction activities; human activity now 9 represents an even greater threat to the nature of Saba than before. In the absence of rules and legislation governing conservation, uncertainty about the sustainability of existing natural values persist and nature is under threat by ad hoc and undesirable development. Some threats to nature include: Expansion of construction on upper slopes of the mountain resulting in scenic and environmental deterioration, habitat deterioration, disturbance of nature and erosion. These developments may have serious consequences for larger areas of hillside terrain, and may cause an increase of silt in the water streaming downhill. Development activity along coastal areas may have negative impacts on the coral environment in the surrounding sea. All proposed coastal development should have a thorough and independent environmental impact assessment conducted. Possible new plans to erect extra antennas on top of Mt. Scenery, affecting the valuable Elfin Forest. Increase in tourism: in particular dive tourism and hiking, potentially disrupting the natural balance, pollution). Illegal dumping of solid waste and/or sewage water. Various species are directly endangered as a result of poaching or commercial export e.g. the Green Iguana and the Land crab on land and Sea turtles in the sea, Furthermore, there are various species as mentioned under 2.1, that are endangered in other parts of the region or that have disappeared completely. These species require legislative protection to ensure survival/ replenishment. The Ordinance on ….. Exotic Species 2000??????? (fill in) The large number of wild goats roam in the countryside and in some areas, erosion has occurred as a result of overgrazing particularly on the lower dryer slopes of the island. The number of wild goats threatens the natural balance of the environment. The excavation by the “Stone Crusher” near the harbour poses a threat to the Marine Park if debris and dust are deposited into the sea, which may cause direct damage to the coral systems and beds of sea grass. Over- fishing, pollution by intensive ship traffic and the damage to coral by dragging anchors potentially threaten the Saba Bank. 3. Objectives of the Nature Policy Plan The objective of Saba’s nature policy is to: Conserve all biological diversity. Keep natural ecosystems intact. Enhance scenic and landscape qualities in as natural a way s possible Contribute to the development of sustainable resource use, in particular nature-oriented tourism for current and future generations. Ensure the protection and sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit and well-being of all citizens The nature policy plan will also serve as a basis for development policy in general for Saba, and for possible future zoning, environmental and tourism policy plans. 10 Through the nature policy plan, Saba contributes to nature conservation in the Netherlands Antilles and in the Caribbean. The responsibility for implementation rests with all key stakeholders: local and central government, social organisations and citizens to collectively conserve and make sustainable use of worldwide biological diversity. The objective of the nature policy plan will be realised via a number of routes. Firstly, the most important nature areas on the island must be safeguarded. A distinction therefore should be made between (see also Chapter 4.1). i) ii) A strict nature reserve A national park The nature areas in question will be described separately. To supplement area conservation policies, additional measures should be taken for certain species that are unique to Saba, which have exceptional intrinsic value, are protected internationally with restrictive trade regulations and/or their survival is dependent on areas outside the protected nature areas. The Nature Policy Plan outlines the measures to be taken to enhance the support and the coherence of conservation endeavours in the community. The purpose is to seek broad support for conservation efforts and consensus on the wise use of natural resources In addition, policy will include an environmental impact assessment on all major developments. An environmental impact assessment should have very specific terms of references that incorporate all aspects of the natural and human environment. Provisions must be made to minimise, reduce or eradicate all possible negative impacts, loss of biodiversity or fragmentation of ecosystems. In the event of unavoidable impacts on nature, mitigating and compensatory measures will have to be integrated into the project proposal. The totality of measures should be taken into account by the administration of the Island Territory when making the assessment to grant a license or permit to develop. The necessary legislation will be put in place for such an environmental impact study. The Executive Council will make use of all these premises in this Nature Policy Plan when assessing the various planning activities on the island and will also use them as a basis for developing zoning and environmental policy. 11 Protected nature areas 4.1 Why protected nature areas Protected areas are important instruments for nature preservation and environmental conservation. They offer a sustainable guarantee for the preservation of the qualities of specific and unique natural environments, ecosystems and the species. Especially in situations where sudden developments in or around a small island like Saba can bring about big unwanted changes, it is necessary to conserve the most important nature areas by providing them legal protection, by safeguarding them from negative developments and by managing them optimally. As such, protected nature areas have several purposes: Intrinsic Nature: preservation of biological diversity (ecosystems, habitats, species, and subspecies. Scenery: preservation of characteristic landscapes and scenic qualities Recreation: enhancement of recreational values and the value of experiencing nature and the scenery for all people. Tourism and economy: preservation of the value of nature and scenery as the basis for the development of sustainable forms of nature-oriented tourism. Fishery/agriculture: sustainable forms of fishery and agriculture, which are also important to defining a nature area. Ecological stability: regulation of the water balance (cloud forest collects water and transports to lower lying parts of the island), preservation of soil fertility, erosion prevention and regulation of the microclimate. Knowledge: enhancement of knowledge through research and nature and environmental education Role Model Function: to be used as a model for establishing nature parks elsewhere and for the purposes of information, education and awareness. Classification Based on the above criteria, the IUCN (The World Conservation Union) have formulated a classification of five categories under which all protected areas in the world may be classified. The first three categories are “strictly protected areas” and the last two are”resource extractive protected areas”. i) ii) iii) iv) v) Strict nature reserve: mostly small areas with minimal human involvement/ interference. National park: larger, varied and exceptional nature areas where visits by humans are possible, as far as it does not pose a threat to the condition of nature. Nature monument: smaller areas with the possibility to visit but where the focus is on the protection of a specified natural or cultural-historic element. Resource management area: areas with a particular emphasis on the management for the sustainable use of natural species. Protected landscape: public or private grounds, often occupied by people, where the 12 resources are used, and the emphasis of preservation is on the quality of the environment and the harmonious relationship between human habitation and the biological diversity. (IUCN/CNPPA, 1990: World Conservation Monitoring Centre, UK) Classification on Saba The classification for Saba is limited to two categories: strict nature reserve and national park. The specific (terrestrial) areas have are indicated on the attached map. The Saba National Marine Park has sufficiently protected status through the Marine Environment Ordinance and a series of international agreements that are enforced in the Netherlands Antilles. The objective of the nature policy plan is to provide suitable protection for other nature areas within a five-year spatial planning framework. The protection of these areas will be secured under the terms of the island nature conservation ordinance. Additional agreements concerning land use and management will be made with relevant landowners in special nature areas that require some protection but which are privately owned. The agreements will be spelt out in a management plan or a document with a comparable status. Other areas not specifically indicated on the attached map, collectively provide sufficient space for further economic and spatial development of the island although development management as much as conservation remains a consideration to ensure that ecosystems are not fragmented or destroyed. A development framework is as important as a framework for the protection of unique and conservation worthy nature areas. Through the application of the principles of the Nature Policy Plan more general scenic and nature values will be respected and integrated in spatial planning and implementation measures. Regulations will also be incorporated for further building possibilities. The 'Tourism Master Plan Saba' will serve as point of departure for spatial planning and zoning. Description of specific protected areas Below the nature areas are described. It is important to recognize that inter-relationships exist between nature values on land and sea, e.g. through the danger of erosion with possible negative consequences on the marine environment. i) Strict Nature Reserve: Mount Scenery (Elfin Forest Reserve) Description Saba's character is significantly influenced by Mt. Scenery. The flanks of this ancient volcano are home to an imposing number of ecosystems. At the top (between 825 and 870+ meters) there is the Elfin Forest or cloud forest. This type of vegetation is quite exceptional, although it occupies a limited area (approx. 8 hectares). The humidity of the air is always very high in this section and the intensity of the light and temperature are low, compared to lower parts of the island. The Mountain Mahogany is the dominant tree type (which makes the Elfin Forest unique) and the branches are laden with moss and epiphytes (plants which grow on trees), primarily ferns but also orchids. 13 In the past, small-scale disturbances of natural habitats occurred through agricultural activities (in the form of tannia and banana cultivation), the construction of the present path to the top of the mountain and when building the antenna. The latter was a more significant disturbance. Attention is drawn to the fact that the vegetation at the top has formed a thick water-absorbing layer, where water is slowly passed through the ground to lower levels, to areas where agriculture is more widely practiced and to the different villages. This 'sponge' has already been disrupted by the construction of the antenna. Further clearing of vegetation will exacerbate this situation. Below the Elfin Forest is the palm zone (775-825 meters) with little undergrowth, followed by the tree fern zone. This vegetation is typically associated with secondary rainforest, which appears as a result of the disappearance of the rain forest, particularly after the burning of natural vegetation. Original tropical rainforest can be found mainly in a number of deep ravines that are too steep and inaccessible for cultivation. In these locations, the tree “Bird’s Cherry” (Mycria citrifolia) is the dominant species. The stretch between 420 and 650 meters was originally rainforest vegetation, but a large portion of this section has been deforested since colonization for the purpose of agriculture. With the decline of agricultural activity in recent years, the secondary rainforest has been regenerated with various typical rain forest species. ii) Saba National Park (North Coast - under formation) On the northern side of the island, there has been very little human influence on the landscape. Until approx. 50 years ago, agriculture was practiced on the more accessible sections of the northern slopes of the island. Much of the natural vegetation has grown back since agricultural activity has declined. A road has never been constructed in this part of the island so the natural intrinsic state of the area is still largely intact from the top of the mountain to the sea. The extraction of sulphur did however occur on a section of the northern side where there are significant sulphur deposits. Various networks of corridors are still present in the old sulphur mine and the mine has become a popular attraction for visitors. Some species of bats are found in the sulphur mine albeit on a limited scale. In 1997, Mrs Muriel Thissel-Murphy, the heir to the sulphur mining property (43 ha), donated the property of the former mining company to the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF) under the condition that the property forever remains a nature area. This land has been set aside by the SCF as the core area of a national park. To the east and west side of the island the solitary road winds through the island from the airport, via Hell's Gate and Windwardside to the village of The Bottom. Above this road there are various buildings, but in general the road functions as a border between the wooded hills on the upper slopes and the lower lying slopes with more shrub-like and drier overgrowth. Across the flanks of Mt. Scenery there are a number of old 'tracks' or trails that formerly provided access to different parts of the mountain to agricultural pastures. Agricultural activity has declined and is no longer extensively practiced on the higher elevations of the mountain. The tracks or trails, have however been made accessible for the purpose of hiking tourism. 14 The management of the nature trail network has been transferred to the Saba Conservation Foundation. A number of new hiking trails have been established by the SCF with directional signs and wayside exhibits at key locations of interest. The route to the top of Mt Scenery attracts the most nature-oriented hikers although trails on the northern section of the island are also growing in popularity because of their uninterrupted views of pure nature. Other routes around the island are less known, but are very special and growing in popularity. Legal/ Protective Status Mt. Scenery does not at this moment have any legally protected status. The land on the mountain is mostly privately owned, except for a few specific portions near the top that is owned by the island government. There are many areas of undivided property in shared by multiple landowners. Due to the very exceptional nature values and the vegetation that has hardly been disturbed in the Elfin Forest, the top of Mt. Scenery shall be legally protected as a strict nature reserve (category i). The surrounding areas on top of Mt. Scenery and the undisturbed part on the northern and western flanks shall be designated as national park (category ii). See attached map for exact locations. Measures for protected nature areas The drafting of a spatial development framework for Saba, which includes legal protected status for Mt. Scenery. In anticipation of this status, building on the hills shall also be prevented by means of building ordinance, building codes or environmental zoning. The approval of the Island Nature Conservation Ordinance in which the Elfin Forest will be set aside as a strict nature reserve (in formation) with the surrounding areas on top of Mt. Scenery. The SCF land on the undisturbed northern side of the island will be set aside as a Saba National Park (in formation) within the terms of the Island Nature Ordinance. Acquisition of the property of the Elfin Forest Nature Reserve and other areas within the national park will be considered only when possibilities for this arise and which are deemed desirable and/or necessary for sustainable conservation of the nature values. The Saba Conservation Foundation will manage all nature areas in accordance with management plans. The Saba Conservation Foundation will consult with landowners and the public of Saba when drafting management plans for all nature areas. The management plans should include the possibilities and agreements for the management and/ or sustainable use of the natural resources within the designated areas. Management plans should highlight activities that enhance and promote nature values through education and awareness and nature-oriented recreational activity, in particular the development of hiking trails. Executing agreements with private landowners about the management of unique natural features on their respective properties. Regulating and reducing the number of goats roaming wild on the island, particularly in the lower dryer sections of the island that are more prone to rapid erosion. Overgrazing by livestock threatens the natural regeneration of vegetation and may lead to erosion deforestation and flooding. iii) Saba National Marine Park (Category ii) 15 Description The Saba Marine Park has been identified as one of the few well-protected and well-managed marine areas in the region and enjoys both regional and international recognition for its special marine values and successful management approach. The marine park protects the entire region around Saba and is comprised of the water and sea bottom from the high waterline to a depth of 200 ft. (approx. 60 m). The area is of great importance for marine conservation and constitutes an essential breeding ground for many (including commercial) fish species, which can be found in the rich fishing grounds of the Saba Bank. Moreover, research has indicated that dive and water tourism within the Marine Park contribute greatly (directly and indirectly) to the economy of Saba. The excellent dive conditions and well-managed dive facilities within the Marine Park determine to a large extent, the character and the good reputation of the island as an exceptional dive destination. The biological diversity of coral reefs is exceptionally large compared to the terrestrial-based biodiversity that exist in the tropical rain forest. The reefs and coral communities in the Saba Marine Park accommodate well over 30 coral species, about the maximum for the northeastern part of the Lesser Antilles. The coral communities are the habitat for a large number of fish species and invertebrates. The coral communities and sea grass fields are also important for the various sea turtles species that live in the marine area. The offshore pinnacles are frequented by various species of groupers, including the endangered and locally extinct, Nassau Grouper, the Yellowfin Grouper, Tiger Grouper and various species of sharks, rays and jacks. The sea grass/algae area east of the harbour has, sadly, lost the greater part its value as a feeding area for the Green Turtle due to the washing away of sediment from the nearby stone crusher. Status The Saba National Marine Park is legally established within the terms of the Saba Marine Environment Ordinance in 1987 and the management responsibility has been delegated to the Saba Conservation Foundation. A marine-use zoning has been applied and implemented within the park. The area is divided into four zones: each where different sets of rules (or prohibitions) apply for fishing, diving, anchoring or other use. The Marine Park management monitors all activities. A fee is levied for the use of the park (harbour dues, dive and yacht fees), which is used to cover the operational costs of managing the marine park. These fees help to sustain the marine park although fees fluctuate with both tourist season and economic cycles, which creates financial uncertainty and insecurity. Measures The management of the Marine Park complies with the objectives of nature conservation and the sustainable use of the marine resource for (dive) tourism. In addition, the following measures are desirable and recommended: 16 Limit or eliminate pollution and disturbance of the marine environment as a result of development on land. The ‘stone crusher’, in particular causes much dust and wash off of sediments into the sea, which constitutes a direct threat to the sea grass fields and the coral reef. Increasing the involvement of Saba population by information, education and further awareness of the significance of the Marine Park for Saba economy (particularly in the fields of tourism and fishery) Developing further research regarding the reef, particularly in determining the social and ecological support base and impacts of dive tourism. iv) Saba Bank (Category iv) Description The Saba Bank is a large, shallow area of sea to the south and southwest of Saba. The area is 2,200 km2 (maximum length and width are 65 x 40 km) The largest part of the bank has a depth of between 20 and 50 m deep, but a considerable part (approx. 225 km2) is between 10-20m and contains extensive coral reefs. The Saba Bank constitutes the largest actively growing atoll in the Caribbean Sea, and probably the third largest in the world. Extensive areas at the edge of the bank consist of healthy coral reefs with a high biological wealth and a high production of commercially important fish and shellfish species, such as Red snapper, spiny lobsters and conch. The Saba Bank is important for a number of reasons: The Saba Bank constitutes a regionally unique and relatively untouched ecosystem characterized by a high biological wealth and production. The Saba Bank is a breeding area for the Queen Triggerfish, Balistes vetula (called ‘Moonfish’ in Saba) and the Squirrelfish, Holocentrus ascensionis, all of which probably originate from surrounding areas including the Saba Marine Park. The bank may also contribute in turn as a source of fish and coral larvae for the coral reefs of the islands in the region. Since the last century the Saba Bank has constituted the most important fishing ground for Saba fishermen. In the absence of rules and regulations, fishermen from neighbouring islands have been fishing the Saba Bank intensively. Moreover, the intensive fishing of conch has led to the decline of this species in part of the bank. In addition, the area is used by various oil tankers, cargo ships and cruise ships as passage as well as for anchorage. The anchoring of ships has caused extensive damage to the ecosystems of the bank. Status The Saba Bank falls under the jurisdiction of the Netherlands Antilles although a section of the Bank is situated within the 12-mile zone of Saba. The Netherlands Antilles has declared an exclusive fishing zone, which allows the Federal Government limited authority of up to 200 nautical miles outside the coast of each island, including the entire Saba Bank. The Fishery Ordinance provides possibilities to regulate fishing although enforcing the regulation is limited until the Coast Guard is operating at full strength. Moreover, issuing licenses and 17 determining quotas and other regulatory measures is hampered by the lack of basic data regarding stocks and catch. Recently, a fish stock assessment project was initiated by the Central Government to collect more fishery data. The recommendations of this study were to prohibit the further issuance of fishing licenses and to strictly enforce the existing regulations. As a result of this study, the Coast Guard has improved their surveillance of the area. Fishing activity on the Saba Bank is concentrated on lobsters. There appears to be sustainable number of lobster stocks although the present quotas should not be increased. The central government is now preparing further management recommendations for the fisheries. The Saba Fishery Ordinance will need to be revised in order to implement these management recommendations. The data collection from the fishery should be continued by the Saba government in order to monitor stocks on a long-term basis and to enable sustainable management and well considered decision making of Saba’s marine resources. Measures Collect further data and conduct monitoring for the benefit of informing the management plan or ‘master plan’, including data on fishing activities, shipping and the scope of ecological value of coral reefs. Draft a management plan or master plan for the sustainable use and active management of the natural resources of the Saba Bank in collaboration with all stakeholders. Given the present jurisdiction of the Saba Bank, the initiative will need to be under taken by the Netherlands Antilles government in close consultation with the Saba fishing sector (nearest island and greatest original users) and the Marine Park management. Support an effectively operating Coast Guard in the area with information on legislation and regulations. (E.g. CITES, revised fishery regulations, etc.) 4. Species protection General The best protection of species is the protection of their habitat, living environment and feeding territories. This type of protection and the required management measures in place as described in the previous chapters, most species on Saba will have a better chance of continued existence. Apart from territorial protection, species protection will also need to be regulated through legislation. This will be incorporated in a future island ordinance on Nature Conservation emanating from the national federal decree “Grondslagen Natuurbeheer”. Recently the Island Government of Saba passed the Ordinance on ….. Exotic Species 2000??????? (fill in) Four criteria are used to identify species that are in need of legal protection: 1. Desired protection based on international treaties (e.g. CITES, Bonn Convention, SPAW Protocol, Inter-American Sea Turtle Convention, etc.) 2. Endemism 3. Species that are locally or regionally rare or endangered 18 4. Threat of exploitation. Ad 1. Based on criterion 1, all species of orchids, bromeliads and cacti must be protected as well as all species of corals and sea turtles. Protection is also necessary for the Green Iguana and the Queen conch. In addition, a number of sea birds found in and near Saba are mentioned in the appendices of CITES. However, the breeding grounds and resting areas of sea birds has drastically been decreased regionally as a result of coastal development, therefore the protection of all sea birds is recommended under this criterion and criterion 3. Ad 2. Based on criterion 2, the Saba Lizard (Anolis Sabanus) and an endemic bat list for Saba which now stands at seven species, should be protected. 1) Jamaican Fruit Bat Artibeus jamaicensis 2) Tree Bat Ardops nichollsi 3) Lesser Antillean Fruit Bat Brachyphylla cavernarum 4) Long-tongued Bat Monophyllus plethodon 5) Velvety Free-tailed Bat Molossus mollussus 6) Brazilian Free-tailed Bat Tadarida brasiliensis 7) Funnel-eared Bat Natalus stramineus Ad 3. Based on criterion 3, the following species will be protected: Trembler, Bridled Quail Dove, Red-necked Pigeon, Antillean crested Hummingbird, Purple-throated Carib, Green-throated Carib, American Kestrel, Red-tailed hawk, all species of sea birds and the Racer snake. Ad 4. Based on criterion 4, the Green Iguana and the Land crab must be protected. A number of the aforementioned species and groups will be dealt with more in depth: Corals are effectively protected by the Saba Marine Environment Ordinance 1987. The feeding area of sea turtles is also protected through this ordinance but a limited catch is still permitted. Additional restrictions of catch, trade and possession need to be put in place. The upgrade of the Saba Marine Park to National Park status institutes these additional measures. Orchids, bromeliads and cacti are popular with private and commercial collectors and collecting and exporting to the other islands of the Netherlands Antilles must be controlled via legislation. In particular, further inventory research for orchids is necessary. Basic research has already indicated that various species not described in literature exist on Saba. The Green Iguana: the original iguana in the Lesser Antilles is the Iguana delicatissima. The places where the Green Iguana is imported, it seems that the imported species gradually expel the original endemic species, especially since sterile hybrids evolve over time and do not reproduce. Research is needed to ascertain whether the Iguana delicatissima is also found on Saba. The Green Iguana is also poached for delicate cuisine on some islands. Poaching of Iguanas must be curbed and severe penalties or fines imposed. Queen conch: a relatively small population is present on Saba (with the largest density just east of Fort Bay). This species has decreased as a result of the habitat disturbance and reduction through the activities of the stone crusher. The conch population on the Saba Bank is assumed to be considerable although its trade must be strictly controlled. 19 Birds: fish hawk, American Kestrel and Red-Tail Hawk appear on the CITES list. Specific protection is required for the breeding places of the Audubon’s Shearwater, Tropicbirds and the other sea birds on Green Island and Diamond Rock (vide Carmabi Report). Preliminary research has indicated that Saba may have the largest nesting ground of the Red-billed Tropic bird in the Caribbean area. A number of other species, including inter alia Trembler, Bridled Quail Dove, Red-necked Pigeon, American Kestrel and Red-Tail Hawk have seriously decreased on a regional scale or are even endangered. Lizard: although the endemic Anolis sabanus is very common on Saba, this species deserves protection as an endemic species, which is often targeted for commercial trade. There are some indications that foreign collectors annually export an unknown number of specimens of this species. The Racer snake Alsophis rufiventris is considered to be extinct in St. Kitts and Nevis, according to recent research. This species is now only found in St. Eustatius and Saba. The extinction of this species was mainly caused by the mongoose, which was imported to many islands during early colonial days. Saba could well become the refuge for the Racer Snake, since the mongoose does not exist on Saba. Consequently, the species must be protected and the import of alien species especially the mongoose must be prohibited. The Land crab is has in recent years been poached for commercial export purposes in large numbers. The growth in tourism especially in St. Maarten where Land Crab is consumed threatens to deplete the numbers of Land Crabs. Accurate data on catch and population is needed in order to establish an export quota and regulations. 5. Nature policy: correlation with other activities and management agencies It is essential to the implementation of the nature policy plan, that public awareness and knowledge of nature and its special roles for the island, is increased both in citizens and management agencies. Enhancement of nature values in education and environmental awareness is very important and should be coupled with an intensive integration of nature conservation principles within other sectors (particularly tourism, fishery, mineral extraction and public works). All these agencies Have an important role to play in the implementation of nature protection policy. Tourism Tourism constitutes one of the most important economic sectors on the island and is significantly based on nature and scenic values in and around the island: the tranquillity and the natural beauty of Mt. Scenery and the splendid coral reefs in the sea. Nature conservation and tourism development are consequently inextricably related. All these activities are the collective responsibility of the government, the tourism industry, the Saba Conservation Foundation and all the citizens. In the Tourism Master Plan, the government (in collaboration with the population) has clearly formulated the connection and the importance of sustainable tourism development as a basis for the future economic development of the island. 20 The objective of tourist development is to aim for an ecologically responsible use of natural resources via nature friendly and nature-oriented forms of land and sea activities. The take-up or new development of land should be limited and instead focus on existing small-scale stay-over tourist accommodations to enable tourists to experience nature through well managed diving facilities, hiking trails, information brochures and information panels, etc. The tourism sector must play a role in promoting sustainable forms of tourism and provide information to tourists, the local population and the government on nature-oriented tourism and behaviour. The tourism sector should endeavour to promote ecologically and environmentallyfriendly principles, in order to minimize the impact on the environment (e.g. waste), and the landscape (via architecturally unsuitable edifices or buildings in valuable scenic locations). The tourist sector also has a responsibility to ensure that the island remains attractive and competitive to tourists in the long run. Fishery Fishing has always been a vital activity on Saba and a key element of the local economy. Several fishermen operate from Saba, mainly with small boats, and mainly on the Saba Bank. The Saba Marine Park situated directly around Saba, is an important breeding ground for many commercial fish species. With the establishment of the park, the possibility of fishing directly around Saba has been eliminated since fishing is prohibited within the Marine Park. However, the Saba Bank presents great and abundant opportunities for small local fisherman from Saba. With reference to the provisions for nature-protected areas outlined in chapter 4, the drafting of a management plan/master plan for fishing on the Saba Bank is urgently needed and should be drafted in collaboration with the fishing sector. To this end, further research into the numbers of commercially exploited marine species is necessary and further regulations need to be enforced to prevent the depletion of stocks. Mineral extraction/Excavation The result of unstructured extraction of surface minerals such as sand, rock and gravel are very diverse. In Saba, excavation of stone and sand by the stone crusher near the Fort Bay is the cause for much pollution from dust and noise. This activity has made deep scars in the landscape for the purpose of individual private profit. Dust and grit are transported by the wind and the rain into the sea, where they directly threaten the corals and sea grass beds; the latter serving as feeding areas for sea turtles. The sea grass area in front of the coast near the stone crusher has already disappeared. Moreover, dust causes inconvenience for tourists who disembark near Fort Bay as well as for the other activities in the harbour. If the stone-crushing activities continue, costs and benefits need to be debated publicly and environmental impact assessment conducted. The Island Administration should also ensure that, within the framework of permit restrictions, necessary additional measures are taken to inhibit negative effects on the environment and the landscape. With regards to the extraction of minerals/excavations, no further permits will be issued, without a detailed environment impact report on all the consequences that may arise from a proposed development. 21 Public Works An integrated approach to all new infrastructure development should be adopted based on the principles of sustainable nature management and development: The collection, processing and disposal of solid waste should be improved (including waste separation, recycling, and reduction of amount of waste), Regulating building and infrastructure development (including building guidelines or improvement to roads), require direct attuning and integration with the nature policy. The formulation of spatial planning policy and a zoning plan constitute a necessary part of development management. Within government the areas of environment, nature and spatial planning should be integrated as much as possible within one organizational unit in order to guarantee optimal decision-making. Public participation, education and awareness By and large, the population of Saba do appreciate the value of nature for the ambience, health and economy of the island. For several generations, local residents have managed the environment in a sustainable manner, which has contributed to securing the reputation of Saba as the “Unspoiled queen”. There is however, still significant numbers of the local population that do not appreciate the value of nature or acknowledge the unique character of nature, the environment, the cultural history the natural processes (like the regulation of the water balance, possibilities for agriculture, and so on), or the great economic value it has for the island. There is significant scope for public education and awareness in order to gain support for sustainable development, resource use and the need for nature policy. Enhancement of this knowledge and awareness is an essential step towards creating support within the community as well as within various government services of Saba. More emphasis should be made on natural values through formal education as well as through public campaigns and informational media. Additional elements of public awareness and education are: Targeted information about projects and (implementation) activities to keep the public abreast of the various developments through a variety of media. Involving the population (and where possible also tourists) directly or via representing agencies in the further planning and implementation of the nature policy. Nature and environmental education is of great importance in order to involve the younger generation in the conservation of nature and the environment too. 6. Implementation Program 6.1. What has been achieved after the planning phase At the end of the planning phase, the implementation of measures indicated in previous chapters should be completed. By this stage, a long-term implementation program should be drafted outlining future actions, tasks and responsibilities of all relevant stakeholders. The purpose of the long-term plan is to secure the basis for nature protection and management within the framework of a development plan. The measure that should be implemented must include: 22 The areas on the attached map set aside as legally protected and managed in a professional and transparent manner, either by a management organization, or by the various private owners in conformity with the management plans. The biological diversity in and around the island sufficiently protected; populations of vulnerable species replenished to sustainable and unthreatened numbers; Nature conservation, including legislation and regulation, enjoys the support of the community in the broadest sense and depend on the island government and the private sector for full support of nature protection endeavours. There is sufficient capacity, expertise and means available on a continuous basis within both the government and the private sector to consolidate the objectives achieved; there is a clear cut division of tasks and competencies between the agencies involved; The tourist image of the island of Saba as the ‘Unspoiled Queen’ has been further strengthened and offers a sustainable economic basis for the island. 6.2. Responsibilities of relevant agencies The realization of the objective of this Nature Policy Plan is a collective responsibility of government, NGOs, the business sector, research, citizens and tourists and the implementation demands a considerable effort of all these actors. Within the government, further capacity and expertise must be built around knowledge/ awareness of the natural environment and to integrate this with expertise in the area of environment and spatial planning. This includes operational and financial agreements with the Saba Conservation Foundation as appropriate to securing their capacity to perform nature management functions of the various protected areas and natural features. The present management structure of the Marine Park (generating revenue from managing the Park itself) is satisfactory and should be continued although it is dependent on the health of tourism to the island. The management of Mt. Scenery and the trail system should include the exploration of income generation and marketing opportunities that can sustain operational demands associated with ensuring a well-maintained tourism product. The SCF should continue to promote its services and its organisation through (inter alia) directories, brochures and the sale of souvenirs and promotional products. Where possible, strategically located land should be acquired, in consultation with landowners and government, for the protection of special and unique nature areas and features. Alternatively, management agreements may be made with landowners, which will also be done in close consultation with the various stakeholders. Funds to support all nature management initiatives and strategies should come from various sources including local, central government, international donor organisations and private sector. Funding for nature management should also be integrated into a larger approach to financing nature management for whole of the Netherlands Antilles and the Kingdom. It is very necessary that the Kingdom government recognise the uniqueness of the natural resources of the Antilles and invest in its sustainability in the spirit of Agenda 21. From the various sources, projects for the implementation of this nature policy plan may be supported, including the acquisition of key parcels of privately owned land. The feasibility of a 23 green Trust Fund is also being explored. This fund will be managed by a Trust, in which nature management organisations will be represented. In addition, there are possibilities to be considered for financial support for initiatives based on the ‘policy paper “Contours of Nature and Environmental Policy in the Netherlands Antilles” by VOMIL. There is a growing involvement and input for nature and environmental conservation by the (tourism) business sector. The sector will be able to play an important role in supplying information to tourists and in the further expansion of ecological and environmentally friendly principles within hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. Research that contributes to solving practical problems and necessary interventions should be encouraged and stimulated. Carmabi has carried out a general survey and inventory of the plant and animal life on all the islands. Additional population research will however be necessary to get a closer insight into exact measures needed for the protection and management of various species. This particularly holds true for population research of the Land crab, Iguana, Racer snake, bats, and the stocks of fish, conch and lobsters on the Saba Bank. Finally, both citizens and tourists, either directly or via representing agencies, should be involved with the implementation of the plan or the compliance to the plan’s provisions. The involvement of NGOs and social partners should be supported. 6.3. Overview of Actions All actions that are necessary for the implementation of the policy plan are categorised according to instruments and relevant actor(s) who serve as the implementing agencies. Below, the actions mentioned in the previous chapters have been categorized according to the type of instrument to be applied. It is also indicated who is responsible for the execution, in what year the action should be implemented and an estimated cost associated with the action although not all the costs are evident at this stage. 24 Action Institutionalisation I.1 regular implementation & consultation Initiator Year - - P 1) Island Government 20022007 - External (Fd. DOEN, Nature Trust) Island Gov. 3) NGOs Exco, SCF, VOMIL Exco, social partners Exco/Planning bureau Exco/ Planning bureau Exco/ Planning bureau Exco/SCF Exco/SCF 2004 P i.c.w VOMIL, LNV 20022007 20022007 20022007 20022007 2004 2004 P Exco/SCF 2004 Exco/SCF 2004 Exco/SCF/ owners Exco/SCF 20022007 20022007 p.m Exco/SCF/owner s VOMIL (NA) et al. 20022007 20022007 p.m. Management – measures re: areas V.1 interaction of expertise and training of managers SCF 20022007 p.m. V2. Regulation/reduction amount of goats Exco/ Police p.m. V3. Regulation mineral extraction/excavations Exco/Planning bureau 20022007 20022007 LNV, WNF, CZMC, KABNA 2) Nature Trust Fund KABNA 2) P Exco 2002/3 p.m. stone crusher, 2002/3 P various parties I.2.extra person power/coordination with government (clear contact person for environment, nature and spatial planning) I.3 expansion of management agency SCF I.4 stimulate setting up and membership NGOs Judicial/ Legislative II.1 drafting draft-island ordinance nature II.2 legislation spatial planning and drafting island development plan II.3 drafting and implementation building directive in anticipation of Spatial Planning II.4 stimulate institution of legislation II.5 working out compensation criteria and anchoring issuance of licenses II.6 Institution of Elfin Forest Reserve II.7 institution Saba National Park Ownership and/or management III.1 acquisition ownership in Elfin Nature Reserve III.2 acquisition Sulfur Mining Co. ownership (institution Saba National Park) III.3 management transfer to SCF of government Lands Nature Reserve III.5 improvement and conservation nature trails Management – Planning IV.1 management plan Elfin Forest Reserve and Saba NP IV.2 management plan/master plan Saba Bank (vide also research) Maintenance VI.1 driving back pollution/nuisance ‘stone crusher’ VI.2 maintenance terr. protection (incl. Saba Bank) ExCo, SCF, planning bureau Exco 20022007 20022007 SCF 20022007 SCF Amount NAf Exco/stone crusher Coast Guard, Marine Park, SCF, Police, P P P P 300.000 Fd. DOEN External, KABNA 2) Fd. DOEN? Social Safety Net? Nature Trust Fund Kabna 2) LNV 125.000 Kabna 25 VI.3 training CITES enforcers VI.4 active implementation CITES and Legislation species protection Research VII.1. Ecological research support dive tourism VII.2 further research fishery, shipping, and ecology Saba Bank (vide also management planning) VII.3 population research Land crab, iguana Information and education VIII.1 attracting collaborator environmental education and set-up program VIII.2 curricula for schools incl. Excursions VIII.3 involve population in MP and other NPs incl. significance for Saba. VIII.4 supplying information to tourists VOMIL, LNV VOMIL, LNV 20022007 20022007 10.000? VOMIL, LNV, BC, WNF SCF/Marine Park ongoing pm LVV, RIKZ, LNV 2004 - SCF, VOMIL3), NGO donors see IV.2 KABNA, VOMIL SCF, Carmabi, UVA 2004 - p.m. Carmabi, UVA, NGO donors SCF 20022007 20022007 20022007 20022007 20022007 p.m Kabna, VOMIL, WNF p.m. Kabna, VOMIL, WNF p.m Kabna, VOMIL p.m Tourism sector, SCF p.m. Tourism industry, SBA, UNA, MINA Fund, social partners 2006/7 P Exco, SCF, Coast Guard, Customs SCF Marine Park VIII.5 reduction waste traditional architecture environmentally friendly principles with economic activities Tourism sector, SCF. Tourism sector, SCF, UNA, business sector Evaluation IX.1 evaluation nature policy plan all actors 1) 2) 3) P Exco, Coast Guard, Customs P=based on input of personnel It is proposed to submit together with VOMIL and the other islands, a proposal for the management planning of all relevant areas of the Netherlands Antilles and to solve bottlenecks that appear only once. Also from revenues from entrance fees and users fees of National Parks. Abbreviations CITES SCF LNV BC/ ExCo VOMIL CZMC UVA St. DOEN UNA MINA Fund KNAP Fund SPAW Convention on Trade in Endangered Species Saba Conservation Foundation Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Conservation and Fishery, Holland Executive Council Department of Public and Environmental Hygiene of the N.A. Coastal Zone Management Centre University of Amsterdam Foundation Sustainable Development and Nature Conservation (Postal Code Lottery) University Netherlands Antilles (Chair for Environment and Development, Technical Faculty) Fund for Environmental Projects in the N.A. Fund for Small-scale Nature Projects in the N.A. Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife 7. Bibliography 26 Contouren van het Milieu-en Natuurbeleid Nederlandse Antillen, Departement van Volksgezondheid en Milieuhygiene, Sectie Milieu en Natuur, sept. 1996 Towards sustainable management of the Saba Bank, KNAP project 96-3, AIDEnvironment, Amsterdam 1996 Guide to Saba Marine Park, Tom van ‘t Hof, Saba, 1991 Biologische inventarisatie van Saba. KNAP project 96-10. Stichting Carmabi, november 1997. Saba, Integrated Tourism Development Master Plan. Draft, December 1996. Tourism Planning and Research Associates, London, in association with John Robinson Planning and Design. Strategic Development Plan of Saba, 1996-2000. November 1995. Integration Economic, Environmental and Social Issues in an Evaluation of Saba Marine Park. L. Fernandes, East-West Centre, Hawaii. The Value of Nature Protection. Economic Analysis of the Saba Marine Park. Summary for the Government of Saba. Draft, September 1995. R.Framhein. Red-bellied Racer Conservation Project. Project Report no. 1 Conservation Status of the Redbellied Racer Racer, Alsophis rufiventris. Findings of the Preparatory Visit (March 1997). J.C. Daltry, M.L. Day, and N. Ford. Fauna & Flora International. Red-bellied Tropicbird Paethon aethereus mesonauta. Martha Walsh-McGhee. Paper presented at the 10th annual meeting of the Society of Caribbean Omithology, Aruba, July 31-August 7, 1997. Saba Trails Reconstruction Report. Designs, Specifications, Cost Estimates. Prepared for the Saba Conservation Foundation, Saba, Netherlands Antilles. B. Hamberg & R. Wetherell, USDA Forest Service, Tongass national Forest, USA. October 1997. Saba Trail System Report. Inventory, analysis and recommendations for the development of Saba’s Trail system. Prepared for the Saba Conservation Foundation, Saba. Netherlands Antilles. B. Hamberg. USDA Forest Service, Tongass National Forest, Sitka, Alaska, USA. September 1996. ---oooOOOooo---