The initiative by Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) to have formally established land-based protected areas (see related story) deserves support. While terrain suitable for building development is at a premium, what little remains of St. Maarten’s basically unspoilt nature should not be sacrificed for development, no matter how economically attractive that may seem in the short term.
People must keep in mind that the island’s natural beauty is one of the main reasons it became so popular with visitors in the first place. Too much concrete and asphalt will sooner or later lead to a less-favoured vacation spot especially with the growth of so-called eco-tourism.
Whether all the examples given are realistic is for experts to determine, but the general idea certainly seems worthwhile. Even if only one of the five zones mentioned is realised any time soon it would still be significant and send an important message that the country takes conservation of its environment seriously.
The hilltops above 200 metres was also mentioned as one of the options. There currently exists a Hillside Policy forbidding construction within 200 metres of the summit, but one can’t escape the impression that this is not always being respected and/or enforced particularly when it regards private property.
As EPIC correctly pointed out, the dominant hospitality industry to a large extent depends on the tropical paradise-like character of the destination. Ensuring certain parts still relatively pristine are kept that way where possible is therefore actually a no-brainer.
