The island of Saint-Martin is rich in unique nature. It is home to species that live nowhere else in the world, including lizards, insects and plants. If these plants and animals disappear from Saint-Martin, they are lost for the entire planet.
More than 70% of Europe's biodiversity is in fact found in overseas territories and communities such as Saint-Martin. Europe and France are committed to protecting unique habitats and the species that live there. These commitments include the preservation of habitats, the restoration and sustainable management of habitats, the prevention of the extinction of threatened species, the integration of biodiversity values into national and local planning and poverty reduction strategies, and the significant increase in financial resources from all sources to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and ecosystems. These commitments are all outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Over the past 50 years, Saint-Martin has experienced very rapid development and population growth. Many wilderness areas have been lost. There is far less land left where the unique nature of St. Maarten can be preserved. During this same period, litigation over land belonging to the Beauperthuy family kept significant portions of this land undeveloped. Although this conflict has been a heavy burden for these local families, it can be an opportunity to preserve and protect local nature.
We recommend an immediate pause in the sale and development of these properties in order to assess the ecological value of this land. The secondary forests of these hills can harbor unique species found only in Saint-Martin or new species unknown to science. This habitat could also be important for endangered species. Biodiversity surveys and inventories should be funded to better understand the value of these habitats. It is possible that such a pause also creates an opportunity to reach a fairer solution to the underlying land conflict.
In the long term, much more land should be preserved in Saint-Martin. This should be done to preserve biodiversity. This should be done fairly, so that the interests of landowners are respected. All levels of government – the Collectivity, the Prefecture and the State – will have to work together to make this a reality for the benefit of the planet and the local population. This is an obligation already accepted by the EU and France. She should be honored.
Preserving wild spaces has many benefits for the people of this island. It preserves natural beauty and provides natural protection against hurricanes. This can create jobs in science, conservation and ecotourism. Wilderness areas often include sites of historical and cultural value that need to be preserved. European funding is available that can support preservation in Saint-Martin while stimulating the local economy. Time spent in nature improves individual health and mental health. The natural heritage of Saint-Martin is an invaluable heritage that belongs to all Saint-Martinois.
Along with hundreds of other people, we have worked as volunteers for years to develop a free museum, Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House. We have no financial interest in this project, but we have a deep love for this irreplaceable heritage site and the lands that surround it. We have organized dozens of school visits there for thousands of local students. We saw their reaction to spending time in nature there. We have welcomed biologists there who strive to better understand the unique nature of Saint-Martin. We don't own this site, but we know it, and we know that Saint-Martin cannot afford to lose it.
Mark YOKOYAMA
Jennifer YERKES
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