Korsu
Contributor
Coalition gives permission to level Bonaires eastern coast illegally
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Friday, 17 June 2011 21:47
KRALENDIJK A recent decision from the coalition of PHU, PDB and MBL makes it possible for the company El Tigre to extract coral stones between Washikemba and Cai. A decision, which goes against the legislation and the rules a valuable coastal area on the eastern side of Bonaire will be destroyed, says Aliansa Naturalesa di Boneiru spokesperson Elsmarie Beukenboom.
Aliansa Naturalesa di Bonaire finds the decision a short-term solution that doesnt tackle the real problem. There have been plans ready since years for a structural solution. Plans, which prevent a further harming of nature and sea, the pearl and tourist attraction of Bonaire and the natural protection against tsunamis. However, the board has not taken a decision on this.
However, Aliansa Naturalesa di Bonaire is of the opinion that one problem must not be exchanged for a much larger problem. Without thorough research into the effects of these extracts and issuing conditions, the nature will be permanently damaged and the landscape effected. The dust released during the extracts leads to risks for humans and nature.
Due to the coalitions decision, the Board of Governors has given up an important piece of Bonaire. Between Washikemba and Cai, one can still see how the eastern coast of Bonaire was in former days.
On many locations along the eastern coast, bulldozers have already left the coast flat and bare after the sand and the coral stones were removed. Rainwater will simply flow away and no longer soak into the soil, but flow directly to the sea with the result that Bonaire will become increasingly dryer and barer. The rainwater, dust and earth particles will flow directly into the sea, smothering the corals with a strong negative effect on the fish. All of this will also have effects on the tourism, the driving force of the economy.
Endangered species, such as the Least Tern live in the area between Cai and Washikemba. This bird is internationally protected and the breeding season has already started.
The Island Regulation Nature Conservation states that a permit is required from the Board of Governors for the nature threatening and blotting landscape activities, such as extracting coral stones. The Board of Governors can only take a decision after a research into the nature and environmental effects has been conducted. The Board of Governors has given permission for this extracting without prior research. With this, the Board of Governors is acting unlawfully, against own legislation and rules. It is unclear why the interest of nature was not considered in the decision process. After all, there are alternatives. Coral stones are crushed to sand and chippings to be used afterwards for the housing construction and the laying of gardens. Minerals such as sand and chippings are essential for construction activities and thus the economic growth of the island.
It is of great importance that one finds permanent solutions for the shortage of minerals. Instead of seeking profit on short term, one must depart from a permanent mineral use for instance, the reuse of materials, the use of alternative materials and the controlled import of minerals measures, which are eventually cheaper than the current extracts. Aliansa Naturalesa di Bonaire requests the coalition to reverse the illegal decision, to draw up a mineral policy and secure the natural heritage of Bonaire between Washikemba and Cai.
An Article from Amigo
Those of you on the island, what is this about?
| Print |
Friday, 17 June 2011 21:47
KRALENDIJK A recent decision from the coalition of PHU, PDB and MBL makes it possible for the company El Tigre to extract coral stones between Washikemba and Cai. A decision, which goes against the legislation and the rules a valuable coastal area on the eastern side of Bonaire will be destroyed, says Aliansa Naturalesa di Boneiru spokesperson Elsmarie Beukenboom.
Aliansa Naturalesa di Bonaire finds the decision a short-term solution that doesnt tackle the real problem. There have been plans ready since years for a structural solution. Plans, which prevent a further harming of nature and sea, the pearl and tourist attraction of Bonaire and the natural protection against tsunamis. However, the board has not taken a decision on this.
However, Aliansa Naturalesa di Bonaire is of the opinion that one problem must not be exchanged for a much larger problem. Without thorough research into the effects of these extracts and issuing conditions, the nature will be permanently damaged and the landscape effected. The dust released during the extracts leads to risks for humans and nature.
Due to the coalitions decision, the Board of Governors has given up an important piece of Bonaire. Between Washikemba and Cai, one can still see how the eastern coast of Bonaire was in former days.
On many locations along the eastern coast, bulldozers have already left the coast flat and bare after the sand and the coral stones were removed. Rainwater will simply flow away and no longer soak into the soil, but flow directly to the sea with the result that Bonaire will become increasingly dryer and barer. The rainwater, dust and earth particles will flow directly into the sea, smothering the corals with a strong negative effect on the fish. All of this will also have effects on the tourism, the driving force of the economy.
Endangered species, such as the Least Tern live in the area between Cai and Washikemba. This bird is internationally protected and the breeding season has already started.
The Island Regulation Nature Conservation states that a permit is required from the Board of Governors for the nature threatening and blotting landscape activities, such as extracting coral stones. The Board of Governors can only take a decision after a research into the nature and environmental effects has been conducted. The Board of Governors has given permission for this extracting without prior research. With this, the Board of Governors is acting unlawfully, against own legislation and rules. It is unclear why the interest of nature was not considered in the decision process. After all, there are alternatives. Coral stones are crushed to sand and chippings to be used afterwards for the housing construction and the laying of gardens. Minerals such as sand and chippings are essential for construction activities and thus the economic growth of the island.
It is of great importance that one finds permanent solutions for the shortage of minerals. Instead of seeking profit on short term, one must depart from a permanent mineral use for instance, the reuse of materials, the use of alternative materials and the controlled import of minerals measures, which are eventually cheaper than the current extracts. Aliansa Naturalesa di Bonaire requests the coalition to reverse the illegal decision, to draw up a mineral policy and secure the natural heritage of Bonaire between Washikemba and Cai.
An Article from Amigo
Those of you on the island, what is this about?
