COLE BAY--Nature Foundation has embarked on a strategic partnership with the Caribbean Amerindian Development Organization (CADO) to find solutions for some of the invasive species issues facing St. Maarten, particularly the invasive Green Iguana (iguana iguana).
Since its introduction that particular species of iguana has caused the extinction of the local Lesser Antilles Iguana and has since overrun the island and has become a nuisance pest.
“We have the honour and a pleasure of working with the CADO in addressing some of the environmental issues we commonly share. Indigenous Amerindian knowledge, wisdom which comes from thousands of years of close spiritual contact with the land and sea, is crucial in understanding our environment on the island, in the wider Caribbean and in the Americas,” said Tadzio Bervoets, Nature Foundation Manager.
The first project embarked upon is to investigate and come up with a solution for the prevalence of invasive iguanas. These animals have been affecting vegetation and have become a nuisance. “Through working with indigenous peoples from the Americas, together with our own scientific research, we hope to come to a management of the invasive species,” said Bervoets.
CADO Director and Founder Damon Corrie said the strategic partnership with the Nature Foundation is special as it is the only wildlife foundation in the Caribbean CADO has this relationship with. “It is the most active one in the entire region and because human rights are part and parcel of the rest of the natural world. Whatever concerns the flora and fauna of the Caribbean also concerns the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean, who were the first human custodians and beneficiaries of it.”
Residents are urged to contact Nature Foundation if they have significant issues with invasive iguanas. The Foundation can be reached at 544-4267 or via e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
