Openbaar Lichaam Sint Eustatius: Young Adults Discover Conservation Careers on Statia

Students from the New Challenges Foundation (NCF) recently spent two mornings learning more about conservation work taking place on Statia. NCF provides education and training for adults who, for various reasons, have not been able to complete their education, but want to further develop their skills and career.

The visits gave the students an opportunity to see how environmental and nature conservation projects on the island can also create opportunities for learning and future careers close to home.

At the King’s Well Laboratory, the students learned about coral reef restoration through sea-urchin farming. They saw how sea urchins are being raised as part of efforts to support healthy coral reefs. Sea urchins help keep reefs healthy by feeding on algae that can compete with corals.

The students also visited the ReforeStatia Nursery, where fruit-, nut- and flowering trees are grown for replanting across the island. Reforestation helps restore vegetation, supports biodiversity, and reduces soil erosion.

By giving local students the chance to see this work first hand, they can learn more about the environmental challenges facing Statia and the work being done to address them. It also helps them see how their skills and interests could contribute to the island in the future, including through careers in conservation work.

The projects visited are part of the wider efforts under the National Environmental Protection Programme (NEPP) to protect and restore Statia’s natural environment while involving the local community in this work.