Urges Decision Makers to Consider Proposal for Trees Protection Law
PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Nature Foundation continued its community-wide tree planting effort on Friday when it planted two tamarind trees close to the location where last year a tamarind tree was removed in order to accommodate construction associated with the Simpson Bay Causeway. There was a lot of attention in the media at the cutting of the tree, with many lamenting the decision to remove it to answer concerns that it may pose a threat to traffic; "In the proposal the Nature Foundation submitted to decision makers and community leaders for the establishment of a specific Trees Protection Law for St. Maarten we suggest that if a tree that has historical and ecological significance is removed two should be planted in its place. Although we have not heard anything concrete yet from the decision makers regarding our proposal, and are urging them to do so, we still took the initiative to do exactly that: plant two trees close to the location where the tamarind tree was removed from last year," commented Tadzio Bervoets of the Nature Foundation.
Over the last few months there has been much talk in the community regarding what is and what is not allowed with regards to the cutting and pruning of trees. The Nature Foundation decided in June that both a tree planting effort in the communities combined with a push for the establishment of a specific trees protection Law is necessary and crucial for the sustainable management of the country's tree population.
The tree planting effort focuses specifically on trees that provide shade, are of a national and historic importance and provide local fruit to the various districts. The first trees planted were Sandbox, Starfruit and Flamboyant trees in St. Peters, Belair, in the Emilio Wilson Park and in Simpson Bay. The Foundation is also involving youth groups in the planting effort educating about the importance of tree protection and planting and replanting trees within the community.
With the approach of engaging in an active tree planting program, an education program focusing on the importance of protecting trees and policy recommendations for the further legal protection of trees on St. Maarten the Nature Foundation hopes to have a balanced and sustainable management and development of trees for the country for in particular indigenous fruit trees, trees that provide shade and trees that are of a historical, national and cultural importance; "Because of the benefits that our island, our planet and ourselves get from trees, such as trees being oxygen filters, providing shelter and food for humans as well as other animals and their influence on the climate, it is essential that we make sure we make up for all the trees we loose or use. This coupled with National Legislation protecting existing trees is essential in encouraging a sustainable management for our trees here on St. Maarten. The Nature Foundation would like to specifically thank the Speetjens Family for donating many trees that form part of this project.
