Government Lobbying
The primary concern of Nature Foundation is to preserve and enhance nature while in the process strengthening the economical and educational value and potential of our natural resources. We aim to meet the objectives of conserving and enhancing the natural environment of St. Maarten through such goals as proper management, education, public awareness, law enforcement, scientific research and monitoring.
Government lobbying constitutes another important goal in helping us to achieve our objectives. Examples of our attempts to influence legislators and officials, single-handedly or with fellow environmental NGOs include:
- Request for zoning and legal protection of Mangrove Ponds
- Planning /building permit and environmental inspection reforms
- Environmental Impact Assessment as mandatory for large-scale developments
- Request for government financial support to help cover the Foundation’s operational costs
- Light Assessment Policy proposal for coastal developments on sea turtle nesting beaches
Government lobbying with fellow environmental NGOs include:
- Request for plastic bag ban
- Protection of Mullet Pond from being turned into a Marina
- Emilio Wilson Estate designated as a terrestrial protected area
- Recommendations for the improvement of St. Maarten’s Environmental legislation
- Protected Area status for the island of Little Key in the Simpson Bay Lagoon