PHILIPSBURG:--- The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten (NFSXM) has formally transitioned from a one-tier (managing) board structure to a two-tier governance model as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening governance and accountability and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Under the new structure, oversight responsibilities will be separated from the day-to-day management of the organization. This approach aligns with international best practices in nonprofit governance and ensures transparency and accountability while maintaining a high level of organizational efficiency. As part of its support for Conservation Management Organizations, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) provided financial and technical support for this transition.
The newly established Supervisory Board will focus on strategic and long-term oversight, while the soon-to-be established Managing Board will lead operational activities. “We are extremely thankful to our partners at the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance for their support of our transition,” said Supervisory Board Chairman Cornelis (Binkie) van Es. “Their guidance and partnership have been invaluable in helping strengthen the Nature Foundation for continued growth and support of our mission to preserve and protect the environment of Sint Maarten for generations to come.”
This structural update will ensure that NFSXM can address the evolving challenges and opportunities surrounding conservation in Sint Maarten. “The two-tier board standard has already become a required governance structure for some of the most competitive grant schemes internationally, and it allows us to remain compliant for large-scale funding proposals and projects,” said a Nature Foundation representative. “It will also ensure the efficient management of local activities thanks to the separation of responsibilities and the decision-making process.”