Commissioner Anjelica Cicilia recently met with the Bonaire Nature Platform to discuss how local government and nature organizations can join forces to protect Bonaire’s unique natural environment.
The meeting highlighted a shared goal: strong collaboration—not only on the island, but also when representing Bonaire’s interests in The Hague and on the global stage. “When government and nature organizations speak with one voice, we have a much stronger impact,” said Commissioner Cicilia. “That’s what it takes to truly protect our natural treasures.”
The Bonaire Nature Platform brings together grassroots groups and NGOs working on coral reef protection, mangrove restoration, marine life conservation, environmental education, and sustainable water management. Members include BonBèrdè, CARIBSS, Coastal Dynamics, Echo, Internos, the Mangrove Maniacs, Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire, Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire, STINAPA, Tera Barra, and WWF-NL.
Together, they’ve outlined five top priorities for the coming years:
- Restoring coral reefs
- Enforcing environmental protection laws
- Reducing the number of free-roaming goats and donkeys
- Sustainable rainwater management
- Improving wastewater systems
Commissioner Cicilia called the partnership “promising and necessary” and emphasized the urgency of joint action. “Nature is our shared responsibility. Only together can we ensure that Bonaire stays beautiful and resilient for generations to come.”
