Nature Foundation Manager Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern (right) presenting the foundation’s eco-bracelet to VROMI Minister Egbert Doran (left).
PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten Nature Foundation Manager Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern recently presented the foundation’s eco-bracelet and a “reef-safe” sunscreen to Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Egbert Doran, in recognition of World Oceans Day, which is internationally observed on June 8.
“In order to ensure [the survival of – Ed.] coral reefs and marine life in the future, it is crucial to protect and conserve their habitats right now. Our coral reefs are highly threatened due to pollution, wastewater and nutrient input, diseases, hurricanes, and rising ocean temperatures and, on top [of that], also by chemical sunscreens.
“It is time that we panic about the health of our reefs, as coral reefs are of great importance to our tourist industry, the health of our fish stocks, sandy beaches, clarity of our waters and the protection from storms,” said Meijer zu Schlochtern.
“For 2020, World Oceans Day is growing the global movement to call on world leaders to protect 30 per cent of the world’s oceans by 2030 – a campaign called ‘30x30’. By safeguarding at least 30 per cent of our ocean through a network of highly protected areas, we can help ensure a healthy home for both marine and human life,” said the foundation in a press release on Monday.
The foundation’s eco-bracelet is made of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric, which is the primary material used to produce water bottles around the world and a significant pollutant in the environment.
The eco-bracelet displays the text, “Nature is our Future SXM”, which is the Nature Foundation’s slogan. It also depicts the outline of the island and includes a map of St. Maarten’s marine protected area and dive sites as well as a flyer explaining what it means to wear the bracelet and how one can support the Nature Foundation.
“Wearing the Nature Foundation eco-bracelet identifies you as an eco-warrior and symbolises your commitment to a clean and sustainable St. Maarten. As an island nation, we depend on the health of our ocean and, more than ever, we need to protect these resources to secure survivability for the future,” said the foundation.
“By presenting the eco-bracelet to the Minister on … World Ocean Day, we symbolise the importance of protecting and enhancing our nature, especially the ocean. We hope more people will understand the importance of our ocean by decreasing pollution and committing to assist in protecting our ocean.
“Your first step can be wearing the eco-bracelet with pride, as every bracelet purchased supports protecting and enhancing St. Maarten’s natural environment,” said Meijer zu Schlochtern.
Eco-bracelets can be ordered on Nature Foundation’s website
www.naturefoundationsxm.org. For a donation of US $10, one eco-bracelet will be provided.
The Nature Foundation is also offering a retail option for businesses wanting to sell the eco-bracelets. This is to “increase nature awareness among tourists.”
“Bracelet displays made by WasteFactory from up-cycled materials will be provided for free with a retail order of 20 or more,” said the foundation.
For more information, businesses are requested to send an e-mail to
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