WILLEMSTAD - In the upcoming convention, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) will focus on governance, climate change and the involvement of young people in nature conservation. The six national park management organizations of the Dutch Caribbean want to work together to strengthen the strategic nature management policy for the coming years. Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands will also be present at the convention.
According to the organization, the corona crisis has had negative consequences for ecosystems. “Ecosystems are critical to the sustainable economies that need to be built,” DCNA said. One of the convention's workshops is on climate change. The workshop focuses on a pilot project that aims to analyze and understand the impact of climate change on protected areas in Indonesia and the Caribbean. The aim is to set up a long-term research program that contributes to the development of interventions against the consequences of climate change.
The organization has learned from the pandemic that their ecosystems are important to the success of the island. According to the organization, the challenge lies in making it more sustainable, with the aim of preserving biodiversity.
DCNA considers the young people to be important stakeholders. They have been working since 2019 to give young people the opportunity to express their opinion through conventions. According to the organization, their input was valuable and has led to the setting up of nature programs for young people. “While the next generation of young conservationists seems to be inclined to use the available natural resources responsibly, it is necessary to equip them with the necessary tools from an early age,” said DCNA.