WILLEMSTAD - The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) conference, which recently took place in Curaçao, reminded participants that nature is 'big business'. However, many people are not aware of the different ways in which nature's resources can be used to create sustainable economic growth. One of DCNA's goals is to make people aware of the economic potential of nature.
DCNA reports this in a press release. According to Hellen van der Wal, chairman of DCNA, the unique biodiversity we have in the Dutch Caribbean is an attraction for tourists. Although nature offers opportunities for significant economic growth, DCNA believes that this growth should not be at the expense of natural resources. To protect the unique biodiversity, the islands in the Dutch Caribbean must integrate sustainable development into policies and long-term plans. To achieve this, nature must be the starting point for decision-making and strategic planning.
During the recent conference in Curaçao, the board of DCNA again pledged to make even more efforts to increase awareness of the economic value of nature, especially among the governments of the Caribbean islands in the Kingdom. DCNA will also continue to involve the next generation in conservation discussions. The contribution of young people is of great value and that is why DCNA has set up a structural program for young people.
DCNA will also continue to encourage and facilitate scientific research. This kind of research is needed to face the future, which will be defined by the challenges and crises caused by climate change.
Close cooperation between the six islands of the Dutch Caribbean is important in this regard. Van der Wal: “With the significant changes we are making to our governance structure, we are equipping ourselves to better serve our national park management organizations in their task of preserving wildlife and raising awareness. We also want to inform governments more effectively and will therefore continue to work to strengthen our relationship and collaboration with the respective governments.”