ST EUSTATIUS--The St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA) will be stepping up its controls on Zeelandia Beach to stem illegal driving on the beach.
STENAPA Director Clarisse Buma said the organisation will intensify its operations and close off the beach with additional measures to ensure vehicles cannot enter the beach.
Earlier this week STENAPA staffers spotted tire tracks on the beach indicating, what Buma said is an obvious attempt at sand mining. It is illegal to drive on Zeelandia beach because it is one of the main sea turtle nesting sites in Statia. The pressure from vehicle tires can crush any eggs buried beneath the sand and mining sand can harm hatchlings.
These activities can also prevent female sea turtles from coming ashore to nest. “Sea turtles are one of the unique selling points of the island and they attract divers from all around the world to come to Statia and give an income to many people working in tourism and restaurants,” Buma said. “While diving, you can see the sea turtles quite often: hawksbill and green turtles and sometimes a leatherback.”
The turtles are all critically endangered, which is the last phase before they become extinct. “It is therefore extremely important to leave the beach untouched and pristine for the turtles to lay their nests there,” Buma added. “And there are alternatives. If you need sand, buy it from the local company that imports sand and with that you support local entrepreneurship. That’s good for the sea turtles and good for the local economy.” STENAPA patrols the beach twice daily.
