SDG Expo highlights weather data, recycling and energy options

Government agencies, environmental organisations, businesses and community partners presented sustainability initiatives at the Government of St. Maarten’s Sustainable Development Goals Expo. The Prime Minister told attendees that individual choices on consumption, purchasing and household waste affect the environment and future generations.

Organisers focused on eight Sustainable Development Goals: Zero Hunger; Clean Water and Sanitation; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Responsible Consumption and Production; Climate Action; Life Below Water; and Partnerships for the Goals. The Meteorological Department demonstrated weather and climate instruments and said it is expanding its automatic weather-station network beyond the airport.

The CORENA project, a collaboration between the Nature Foundation and the Ministry of VROMI under RESEMBID, presented work including marine-habitat mapping in territorial waters up to 30 metres deep. The project also studied seagrass, coral reefs and terrestrial species, and provided geographic information systems training.

Environmental Protection in the Caribbean, EPIC, demonstrated plastic collection and processing for reuse. Organisers said the initiative includes schools and gives clients from the White & Yellow Cross and Mental Health Foundation opportunities to wash, cut and shred plastic.

KAM Trading presented disposable products made from sugar cane waste, agave and paper. Qredits presented energy and agricultural loans, microcredit, working capital, coaching and training. DINOV presented grid-tied, hybrid and off-grid solar systems, while Motoworld displayed an electric vehicle. Company representatives said the vehicle could cost about US$35 to charge and had a stated range of about 620 kilometres.