Nature Foundation supports terrestrial park proposal after 17 hectares returned

The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten said it supports a proposed terrestrial park after Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs announced on Wednesday 21 October that about 17 hectares of land had returned to government control from a private long lease.

According to the foundation, the land known as Rainforest land comprises parcels in the Golden Rock and Industry areas of Cul-de-Sac, next to Emilio Wilson Park. Gumbs named a terrestrial park as the main purpose for the land, the foundation said.

The foundation said protected hillside vegetation can reduce flooding, lower temperatures, protect property and limit sediment runoff to coral reefs. It also said Gumbs referred to a 2014 UNESCO study that identified the land as suitable for drainage management.

The foundation said it is ready to join consultations on management of the proposed park and called for support from Parliament and the community.