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Much of St.
Maarten is covered in water; In an effort to draw attention
to these important wildlife areas, bird watching towers were
constructed at Fresh Pond and Little Bay Pond through a partnership
between EPIC, Nature Foundation of St. Maarten, and the funding Royal
Caribbean Cruise Lines' "Adventure of the Seas". The official ribbon
cutting was held in summer 2005.
Diverse
mangroves line the shore of both ponds which are within the capital
city, making them easy to reach. These facilities can now be used by
school groups, tourists, researchers, and residents. The local taxi
association has expressed interest in making these facilities a part of
their island tour, thus increasing the economic value of wetlands to the
tourism economy. A nearby school, Learning Unlimited, has taken
responsibility for some of the upkeep of the Little Bay Pond site and
participated in the volunteer litter clean-up campaign prior to
construction.
EPIC
regularly sponsors free bird walks at both
sites, which provide the opportunity for all levels of birders to become
familiar with local birds through guided walks. School groups have also
been guided through the sites as part of wetland education programs. EPIC's
partnership efforts with local NGO's and the cruise industry have led to
featured articles with Conservation International and BirdLife
International. With the addition of the bird blinds, viewing wildlife
close-up has become much easier. |
Official
ribbon cutting ceremony with members of the St. Martin government and
officers from "Adventure of the Seas"
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