Changes to Bonaire National Marine Park Fee Collection System Announced

[Natasha]

In order to continue its important work and institute new programs that will preserve Bonaire's environment above and below the water, STINAPA Bonaire, the non-governmental, not-for-profit organization that oversees the Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP) and Washington-Slagbaai National Park has proposed a restructuring of the BNMP Fee, collected annually from divers.

Beginning April 1, 2005 a new Nature Fee will be introduced giving people year-long access to both National Parks. As of this day all scuba divers entering the BNMP will pay a fee of $25.00 per year. Divers will continue to receive the coveted BNMP Tag. All others who use the waters of the BNMP including snorkelers, windsurfers, kayakers, sport fishermen, kite boarders, etc., will be charged a Nature Fee of $10.00 per year and will also receive a specially designed tag similar to the current BNMP Tag.

With the new Nature Fee, in addition to being allowed to enjoy the Marine Park for a period of one year, all persons who pay the Fee (both divers and other users) and show their tag along with their printed receipt will receive complimentary admission to Washington-Slagbaai National Park throughout the year their tag is valid.

Funds collected from the Nature Fee will continue to be for research, monitoring, education, law enforcement, information distribution and maintenance of the areas STINAPA Bonaire oversees.

For more information visit http://www.stinapa.org.

 

[mikswi]

Do you have another link? I cant seem to find any info relating to what you posted from that website.

Thats quite a jump...............

 

[munkispank]

I would gladly pay doubl ethat for Bonaire to continue to be preserved. And it really is still a bargain compared to the cost of diving in other destinations all told.

 

[mikswi]

I dont deny that its worth it, I just think its a giant increase. Plus, vacation expenses for me are X5 so, thats REALLY a big jump for me. What used to be $50.00, is now $125.00. I fI use your theory of double, that would now mean $250.00 in Park fees.

Sometimes throwing money at a problem, isnt always the answer.

I would gladly pay doubl ethat for Bonaire to continue to be preserved. And it really is still a bargain compared to the cost of diving in other destinations all told.

 

[munkispank]

oh I totally understand- I wasn't arguing that it is not a big increase- it totally is. And it might be a nightmare with five of you. I just wanted to gush about Bonaire :O

The establishment of the Bonaire marine reserve has been a proven success ( I have several academic articles which were published comparing the situation with other areas which have not instigated such a preservation plan) and it was contoversial when established.
I am assuming that this increase is due to a need for funds to maintain the bouys, the reasearch areas and the areas allowed to be diver free to recover.

Of course this is a big assumption I agree.

 

[drbill]

I have no problem paying that to enjoy the results of this protection. I wonder why extractive users like fishermen aren't charged a fee equal to that of non-consumptive divers (or a higher one)?

I would strongly support such a fee within the state of California waters to help preserve marine reserves... once the MLPA network is finally established.

Dr. Bill

 

[brucebowker]

[QUOTE Beginning April 1, 2005 a new Nature Fee will be introduced giving people year-long access to both National Parks. .[/QUOTE]

Just a clarifying note- all tags are valid to the end of the year, not one full year from date of purchase.

Bruce Bowker

 

[herman]

I agree that it's a little steep of an increase but if it gets used to improve and protect the reef, it's worth it. I am glad to see they included snorkelers and windsurfers are now helping to support the park.

Welcome to the board Bruce, I thought I recognized your name.
Nice to have you on the board.

 

[The Chairman]

Posts hijacking this thread and that are concerned with security of this great Dive Location have been moved to THIS THREAD.

Please keep comments in this thread pertinent to the topic.

 

[brucebowker]

Posts hijacking this thread and that are concerned with security of this great Dive Location have been moved to THIS THREAD.

Please keep comments in this thread pertinent to the topic.

Very nice idea and glad there is a forum that does this.

Bruce Bowker