The Realities of Nature-Based Solutions
(BIO) NEWS research edition. Every edition we highlight 1 article with the latest? nature news from the six Dutch Caribbean Islands focused on research and monitoring.? As always you can find our complete list of articles HERE. As well as an overview of recent publications, current research and monitoring activities and needs at the end of this newsletter.??
Professor Jacintha Ellers, a keynote speaker at the Dutch Caribbean Nature-Based Solutions Symposium, discussed the evolving nature conservation perspective and the urgent need for eco-centric strategies amid climate challenges. Stressing ongoing investments, she outlined pillars for success: evidence-based knowledge, community focus, and robust monitoring. Ellers urged proactive engagement in nature-based solutions to fortify island ecosystems.?
Professor Jacintha Ellers, a distinguished speaker at the Nature-Based Solutions for Ecosystem Restoration Symposium, shared valuable insights during her closing keynote speech. As a Professor of Evolutionary Ecology, Head of the Department of Ecological Science, and Director of the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, her talk focused on lessons learned from the symposium and the future implementation of nature-based solutions in the Dutch Caribbean islands.?
Evolution of Nature Conservation Perspective?
The general take on nature conservation has shifted over time. In the 20th century, the most popular conservation strategy belief was to close off protected areas entirely to human activities. However, a shift occurred at the beginning of the 21st century, moving towards an economic perspective, recognizing nature's valuable services for humans. This has shifted once more, with the current emphasis being on the connection between people and nature, promoting Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) as a way to address societal challenges while investing back in nature.?
Importance of NBS in the Caribbean?
The Caribbean islands face significant challenges due to their high dependency on natural resources for economic growth, including tourism-based revenues. Furthermore, the islands are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Nature-based solutions play a crucial role in protecting these islands from climate change consequences by restoring and recreating ecosystems. An example highlighted was the creation of the Bubali wetland in Aruba, which not only purified wastewater but also serves a thriving bird sanctuary, demonstrating the dual benefits of such solutions.?
Magic Solutions?
While nature is a powerful tool to address societal challenges, it cannot compensate for unlimited environmental damage. Nature-Based Solutions are not a magical fix, they work best when implemented alongside sustainable choices that consider the carrying capacity of the islands. Additionally, she emphasized that these solutions are not cost-free, requiring continued investments for long-term success.?
Key for Success?
To ensure the success of nature-based solutions in the Caribbean, Professor Ellers outlined three key points:?
Evidence-Based Knowledge Generation: Utilize existing knowledge, experience, and data from ongoing projects to inform future initiatives. Establish an Open Access scientific knowledge base to share best practices.?
Prioritizing Community Values: Engage local communities and align project goals with their values. Recognize that different community members may prioritize benefits differently, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.?
Robust Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement comprehensive monitoring and evaluation programs to measure the effectiveness of interventions. Develop a dashboard to track the project's impact on biodiversity, economic use, human health, and other societal challenges.?
Successful Future?
Professor Ellers concluded by advocating for a shift in perspective on nature and expressing optimism about the potential for small islands to become leaders in nature-based solutions. She emphasized the urgency of starting now and presented an approach that involves strengthening existing projects, employing a living lab approach for stakeholder collaboration, and setting achievable goals through a multi-perspective community-supported framework.?
To watch the full video of Professor Jacintha Ellers presentation, please see below:?
领英推荐
Videos of the other presentations will be shared with you weekly. To (re-)watch the Zoom-recording of the symposium, please see below:?
DCNA?
DCNA extends its gratitude towards the sponsors; Milton Harms Fonds in collaboration with Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied, Aruba Tourism Authority, VNO Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties, Grant Thornton, Dutch Postcode Lottery, and Pelican Adventure, for contributing to the symposium and supporting an environment of collaboration and progress, exemplifying the power of partnership in driving positive ecological change.?
Publications Check out recent reports and publications on biodiversity related subjects in the Dutch Caribbean HERE??
Research & Monitoring Projects ?Stay up to date with projects in the Dutch Caribbean via our project overview HERE.???
?Guidelines for Design & Conduct of Research & Monitoring Projects?See our recommendations HERE.??
??
The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) supports (science) communication and outreach in the Dutch Caribbean region by making nature related (scientific) information more widely available through amongst others the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, DCNA’s news platform BioNews and through the press. This article contains the results from several (scientific) studies but the studies themselves are not DCNA studies. No rights can be derived from the content. DCNA is not liable for the content and the in(direct) impacts resulting from publishing this article.?
?
BioNews is funded by the?Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).?? DCNA’s activities are generously supported by the?Dutch Postcode Lottery.??
???
Thanks to local conservation efforts, nature on our islands is protected.?We want you and your loved ones to be able to enjoy it for many years to come.? Want to help? Donate here: https://dcnanature.org/donate/??
Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF) St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA) Saba Conservation Foundation Nature Foundation Sint Maarten Ministerie van Landbouw, Visserij, Voedselzekerheid en Natuur Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)
?
??