The plan to convert sections of Plantation Industry and Golden Rock into a park (see related story) is commendable. St. Maarten currently lacks any such land-based conservation zone.
When much of what is commonly known as Emilio Wilson Estate was leased out for the Rainforest Adventures tourist attraction many objected to “giving away” an essential piece of the island’s heritage. In the end the most-used parts remained available to the public and the intention now is to legally make these areas at Sentry Hill a park to which Cole Bay Hill, St. Peters Hill, Concordia Hill, Marigot Hill, Weymouth Hill and Mount William can be added.
This would be an important step not just for – completely justifiable – environmental and historical reasons. The island’s nature is inseparable from the local tourism economy. Without its crystal-clear sea, white sandy beaches, picturesque lagoons and green hills, the destination simply would not be nearly as attractive for the visitors who drive its dominant hospitality industry.
By the same token, it has been argued before in this column that the current hillside policy, while most welcome at the time, may no longer suffice and might require expansion to save what little is left.
In fact, preserving the country’s natural beauty is key to safeguarding the people’s livelihood in the future. As such, this should really be viewed as a matter of survival.
