Over 550 thousand euros granted to protect and restore nature in Caribbean part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands

The EU funded BESTLIFE2030 programme announced to disburse 551.163 euros to six nature conservation projects in Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, Curacao and Bonaire. This support is part of the €5.57 million funding boost for 57 grants across Europe’s Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories following the results of the first of four planned calls for proposals.

The Caribbean part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands harbours a rich biodiversity including coral reefs, wet and dry tropical forest and scrublands, salt panes, mangroves and sea grass. The region’s biodiversity is phasing multiple threats including soil erosion, excess nutrients due to poor waste water management, climate change impacts and a variety of invasive species including feral cats, goats and donkeys.

The six projects granted range from supporting the reintroduction of the endangered queen conch – a keystone species which controls algae growth on coral reefs and seagrass ecosystems -, to strengthening law enforcement to safeguard the unique nature of Klein Bonaire. And from introducing syntropic farming methods on Sint Eustatius offering a sustainable alternative for detrimental livestock practices, to combating soil erosion and increasing the protection of sharks and rays around Sint Maarten.

BESTLIFE2030: funding for nature conservation in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands

The BESTLIFE2030programme provides funding for nature conservation and restoration projects in the European Union’s overseas countries and territories, including Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten. Many of the overseas territories are particularly vulnerable to climate change and are exposed to numerous environmental pressures. In these areas Bestlife2030 aims to contribute to the goals of the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 by helping to stop and reverse the loss of biodiversity.

New call for proposals early 2025

The programme will launch its second call for proposals in early 2025. Local organizations will then be invited to develop projects that contribute directly to tangible conservation results on the islands and in the surrounding marine environment. Examples include measures to protect endangered species and habitats, to restore degraded ecosystems like coral reefs and mangroves, and to reduce threats such as habitat loss, nutrient pollution and invasive species.

BESTLIFE2030 is coordinated by IUCN Europe and funded by the European LIFE grant programme. IUCN NL acts as the focal point (Regional Hub) for Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten.