St Eustatius (Caribbean): Coral Reef & Marine Park Conservation

Introduction

Caribbean ecosystems are very sensitive, yet vital to the island economies and the well being of its populations. However, they are under threat. From threats such as water pollution to climate change, many ecosystems across the world are in decline. St Eustatius National Parks are part of a Dutch Caribbean wide conservation effort to preserve these vital resources on the small island of St Eustatius (Statia as it is locally called) in the North-East Caribbean.

St Eustatius National Parks manages a large land & marine protected area in order to preserve this fragile ecosystem for future generations. Part of our work is to ensure that these are upheld by the community and visiting tourists.

On land we manage the Quill/Boven National Park with a network trails that appeal to hikers all walks of life – from children to the intrepid climber. We aim for trails to blend into the environment and try to use as many natural materials as possible.

In the water, St Eustatius National Parks manages a 27.5 km2 marine protected area in order to preserve this fragile ecosystem for future generations. The marine park runs from shore to the 30m contour line and encircles the whole island which is unique for an island of its size. Within the marine park there are two reserves with specific rule and regulations. Part of our work is to ensure that these are upheld by the community and visiting tourists. In the past three decades we have seen a decrease in coral populations and diversity across the Caribbean. Through our coral restoration project we cultivate coral fragments to be transplanted back onto the reef to increase diversity and regenerate areas hit by disease.

Caribbean coral reefs are diverse and sensitive ecosystems that are vital to island economies and the well being of its populations. However they are under threat from impacts such as water pollution and climate change. St Eustatius National Parks are part of a Dutch Caribbean wide conservation effort to preserve these vital resources on the small island of St Eustatius (Statia as it is locally called) in the North-East Caribbean.

Over the past 30 years we have strived to protect marine life in Statia’s waters: from tiny coral species to the giant seasonal humpback whales that migrate through our waters in the winter. We preserve these natural resources so that we can enjoy them for generations to come.

Our interns are part of every step along the way, are crucial to the organization and to the protection of nature on Statia.

Daily Life

Read all: Botanical Garden Environmental Conservation + Trail Maintenance & Environmental Conservation + Reforestation Project + Marine Park + Nature Education, Outreach and Communication

You will be working with a non-governmental nature conservation organization based on the Dutch Caribbean island of St. Eustatius, which is legally mandated by the Island Government to manage the entire island’s protected areas (the National Marine Park and the Quill / Boven National Park) as well as a young Botanical Garden on the 21km² island of St Eustatius.

We believe it is important to emphasize the interconnectivity between environments on land and underwater. Essentially, this means that all volunteers will be expected to help across both marine and terrestrial departments as required. Please note that any activities that require diving will only be undertaken by volunteers with PADI Advanced Open Water certification or higher (please let us know if you possess this certificate or if you are getting it before the start of your placement) and have a valid DAN insurance.  The working week generally runs from Monday until Friday, from 7am till 4pm with a one hour lunch-break.  Below is a summary of the projects that you can expect to be involved in.

Nature education, outreach and communication

You will be developing content and materials geared towards educating the public of St. Eustatius on nature, its ecosystem services and their role as a community in protecting it. The activities include face to face opportunities mostly with children, sometimes adults and the elderly.

Main responsibilities

• Conducting case studies and awareness campaigns with social science tools
• The creation of youth activities or STENAPA Lesson Plans – may include art and craft, research or graphic design
• Conducting lessons plans in primary and high school, after school programs and STENAPA youth programs
• The maintenance of the website/contribute blog material
• Documenting the tasks of the rangers for social media and newsletters
• Collection of nature content within the national parks – may include hiking or snorkeling
• Creation of radio content/communication plan
• other projects and activities

Botanical Garden Environmental Conservation

We are looking for interns to help with maintenance, design, restructuring and development of our botanical garden. As it stands the botanical garden needs a lot of attention. Due to hurricane Irma and Maria (Sept. 2017) the garden was heavily damaged, and the shade house destroyed. On top of that we have issues with roaming animals that enter the garden.

Main responsibilities: 

• Work alongside Botanical Garden Ranger and other staff, interns, volunteers
• Take part in all nature conservation activities on the island
• Daily garden maintenance including – but not limited to – raking, weeding, pruning, weed whacking, maintain composting and mulching systems plus irrigation of plants, carpentry, painting
• Assisting with building fence and shade house.
• Develop and execute plans for regenerating the garden and increase diversity of plants
• Develop sustainable ways of pest control
• Develop ways for replanting and structuring of arbors and specific areas
• Responsible with ranger for tools, organization of the tool shed, and update inventory
• Take on other projects, such as (choose): extend irrigation system, redevelopment of solar panel system, propagate the endemic Statia Morning Glory and other native Caribbean plants to be grown in the garden, renew plant identification labels.
• Work with incoming researchers
• Join sea turtle patrol (when it is sea turtle nesting season:  June-November)

Trail Maintenance & Environmental Conservation

The maintenance and monitoring of Statia’s terrestrial protected areas need your help for their survival. The terrestrial parks comprise one extinct volcano at the northern end of the island called Boven and a dormant volcano called the Quill at the southern end, both of which have a combined total of 17 trails. Weekly maintenance of these trails is required to ensure visitors safety and enjoyment of the park. You will work alongside the national park ranger.

Whilst doing this, you will also carry out various monitoring projects of our important species. For example, we are currently experiencing an invasion of the Green Iguana onto the island. This species has mated with the local and critically endangered Lesser Antillean Iguana of which several hybrids have now been found. We are working with other stakeholders on the island to survey selected areas to find hybrid specimens. Any prior knowledge of invasive reptiles and/or of iguanas would be of much assistance in our efforts to stop the extinction of the Lesser Antillean Iguana on our island.

Main responsibilities:

• Work with Terrestrial Park Rangers, other staff, interns, volunteers
• Take part in all nature conservation activities on the island
• Monitor of species and habitats
• Maintenance hikes across the national park
• Assist with the development of weekly maintenance schedules
• Development of trail signage, repair signs
• Assist with erosion control
• Map trail using GPS
• Carry equipment to specific points on the trails for use in maintenance activities
• Accompany educational hikes with various youth groups
• Assist the garden ranger twice a week in the botanical garden
• Assist with regular iguana surveys and tagging
• Join sea turtle patrol (when it is sea turtle nesting season)

Reforestation Project 

The Reforestation Project was initiated to replace the trees that were felled by Hurricane Irma and Maria. The goals also include the reduction of erosion around the island.  The ReforeStatia Nursery has two shade-houses, a shipping container for storage, a tractor, water tanks and a mini lake, and a food forest. The flora and fauna have been allowed to flourish without the interruption of roaming animals or constant mowing. Out-planting of trees has begun in at least 3 locations around the island, including the reinforced Fort Oranje Cliff. These areas will be maintained and added to during the rainy season, after the hurricane season has ended.

Main responsibilities:

• Work along with On-Site Manager, other staff, interns, and volunteers
• Take part in all nature conservation activities on the island
• Maintain potted plants in the shade-house at the ReforeStatia Nursery Site
• Maintain food garden on the ReforeStatia Nursery Site
• Assist with out-planting of trees (during the rainy season – Nov to Feb)
• Assist with composting projects

Marine Park

Expect to spend half / full days out on the boat, diving many times per day. Most marine park maintenance and activities happen under the water.

Main responsibilities:

• Maintenance of mooring sites
• Patrol of Marine Park and Nature Reserves
• Research dives and data collection
• Data entry and analysis
• Building moorings and splicing
• Maintenance of diving equipment
• Maintenance, organization and cleaning of work areas
• Lionfish culling
• Coral restoration
• Day and night-time patrol of turtle nests (June – Nov)
• Occasional trail Restoration in Botanical Garden and National Park
• Assist in educational programs and events

All interns must be enthusiastic about volunteering and open to working with volunteers from around the globe.

Travel & Accommodation

Our interns are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation. We will provide a list of contacts to assist to get you started.

Requirements

• • Min age: 18
  • Minimum commitment is 2 months
  • Good English skills
  • Good organizational skills
  • Certified Advanced Diver
  • DAN sports silver diving insurance
  • Ability to work as a team but also able to work independently
  • Must be physically fit with ability to do manual labor and the use of heavy tools
  • Must be a good hiker/used to climbing
  • Has preferably a drivers license (manual driven preferred)
  • Hard worker with good organizational skills
  • Preferably has previous experience of working in a national park or relevant educational qualification
  • Willing, enthusiastic and proactive
  • Full travel & medical insurance
  • Necessary flights & visas

Costs

Places are confirmed with a $250 placement fee. You will also need to cover the costs of your food and accommodation during your stay

What’s Included:

Airport pick up / drop off.

What’s not included:

Food, accommodation, flights, travel insurance, visas and vaccinations (if applicable).

Premium Support.

You should budget a minimum of $300 per month for food.

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