Love the Lagoon
Conservation of Wetlands and Coastal Habitats Program - Love the Lagoon Project
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Blue Flag |
Love the Lagoon |
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EPIC is the national operator for Blue Flag on St. Maarten. A Blue Flag site is one that has been certified to meet strict environmental and safety criteria. Boaters and beachgoers can choose clean Blue Flag Beaches and Marinas and know they are supporting a business which is environmentally responsible, clean, and safe. In 2011, the first Blue Flags were awarded to Divi Little Bay Beach Resort and Isle de Sol Yacht Club.
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Mission: Protect and restore the Simpson Bay Lagoon and other wetlands on the island of St. Maarten/ St. Martin. The Issue: The Simpson Bay Lagoon is one of the largest lagoons in the Caribbean. The environmental, recreational, and commercial value of the lagoon cannot be overestimated and drives a significant portion of the local economy. However, pollution in the Lagoon has reached a critical level. Heavy metals, sewage, oil, and other pollutants cause problems related to human health, ecological function, and decreased economic value. To address theses issues, EPIC has applied our multi-disciplinary framework of research, outreach, and community-based action. Research: Water quality analysis, socio-economic surveys, and habitat assessments provide solid evidence regarding the importance of local wetlands as well as the environmental impacts they suffer. Outreach:Through consistent media coverage, billboards, presentations and field trips for thousands of students, and advocacy in government, we are raising awareness and building community support for wetland conservation. Action:Working with the community, EPIC has begun to address the environmental threats facing wetlands. Habitat restoration, Blue Flag certification, litter clean-ups, and providing sewage disposal services for boats are just some of the ways EPIC's work is helping to protect and restore the magnificent wetlands of the island. |
