Parliament’s Committee on Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI committed to “actionable steps” (see related story) after Tuesday’s presentation by St. Maarten Nature Foundation concerning escalating environmental challenges confronting the country. The latter spoke of an unsustainable path and risking becoming a destination of the past.
The committee plans a closed-door session to deliberate on the insights gained, formulate pertinent questions and develop solutions to propose to the responsible minister. Chairman Darryl York expressed deep concern over the inadequate support afforded to the foundation.
He proposed the introduction of a nature fee, akin to models employed in Bonaire and other islands. According to him these must be meticulously tailored to align with the local context.
One should also keep in mind that a so-called “tourist tax” is already planned this year. Not only that, but inflation in especially main source market the US is rising, increasing the cost of travel.
In addition to poorly regulated development, the lack of proper sewage facilities on a large part of the Dutch side constitutes a major environmental issue. This is a daily ongoing threat to – among other things – the mangroves and coral reefs often mentioned during the meeting.
There have been plans for a joint wastewater purification plant in the Cole Bay/Bellevue area for several decades. Sadly, European co-funding for this purpose was available but the project never materialised and the money may no longer even be there.
After much debate about proposed locations the most recent choice was behind utilities provider GEBE in Cay Bay. However, little movement has been noted since.
Until then, unnecessary land-based pollution of in particular the economically vital Simpson Bay Lagoon area will continue unabated.
