In honor of World Wetlands Day, EPIC will be hosting a Kayak Fundraiser this Sunday, February 5th
PHILIPSBURG:---The public is invited to join Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) in a celebration of our wetlands while kayaking the Simpson Bay Lagoon wetland. The event will start at 8:30 a.m. on Kimsha beach with a delicious and organic breakfast treat provided by Big Wave Bakery to get the day going. Participants will then be geared up and given a kayaking tutorial before taking off towards the Simpson Bay Lagoon. Along the way, EPIC’s Wetland Outreach Coordinator, Kippy Gilders, will point out and discuss the important features of wetlands. We will then raft up in the middle of the lagoon for a short presentation and some refreshments donated by Antillean Liquors before heading back to Kimsha Beach at a relaxed pace for an 11 a.m. finish. Tri-sport has generously donated kayaks, lifejackets, and trained staff while Yacht Club Isle de Sol will provide a support boat.
World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on February 2nd to raise global awareness about the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet. St. Maarten’s wetlands include ponds, lagoons, mangrove forests, and coastal areas. This also marks the date of adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. St. Maarten now has its own internationally recognized Ramsar wetland, Mullet Pond in Simpson Bay Lagoon. The theme for this year’s World Wetlands Day is Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Wetlands play an important role in reducing the impact of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and hurricanes. Wetlands act as a natural sponge, absorbing and storing excess rainfall and reducing flooding. During the dry season, they release the water stored, delaying the onset of droughts and reducing water shortages. Scientists predict even greater weather extremes due to climate change, making wetlands even more important in an uncertain future.
The price for the event is $25 per adult and $15 for children under 16 years. This includes equipment rental, a guided tour, technical support, refreshments and an organic breakfast treat. The funds will help EPIC to continue to provide education and conservation activities related to the Simpson Bay Lagoon. Paddle and have fun as you support conservation efforts for the Simpson Bay Lagoon with the EPIC Kayak Fundraiser.
Sign up now for this unique event, as space is limited. To sign up, please send an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +1 (721) 524-4420. See you on Sunday, February 5th, at Kimsha Beach (in front of Buccaneer Beach Bar).
