Caribbean Review: Diving for Change: How Bonaire Protects Its Marine Life Above and Below Surface

Timon Cornelissen

Introduction

Many Caribbean countries rely on the sea for transport, resources, leisure activities and wildlife. Bonaire is no different; each quarter, the island puts together a community-led initiative to contribute to a scuba dive, with the aim to clean up their marine environment, specifically around coastal areas and reefs. Whilst the community comes together to help preserve and protect Bonaire’s waters, this begs the question as to what the governments are doing to help sustain healthy marine environments. 

What Happens On The Community Scuba Dive?

The community dive is open to both locals and visitors, in an effort to create conversations about cleaning up Bonaire’s marine environments. Certified divers are invited to assist on underwater clean ups; however, if you do not have a certified divers licence then you are more than welcome to support the clean up on the shore. Collected waste is sorted, documented and then compiled into a report to be sent to the global marine conservation databases. The data aims to support global efforts in better understanding the status of oceans, ultimately supporting long-term efforts to strategize relief towards reducing ocean pollution, with most common items found including plastics and fishing lines. The event takes place from 9:30 in the morning until noon

One of the marketers for this event stated “Our reefs are at the heart of Bonaire’s identity”, proceeding to highlight how this event brings the community together whilst caring for their ocean environment. After the event there is an organized social gathering to celebrate their efforts in conclusion until next quarter. 

Government Marine Protection In Bonaire

Whilst the community are out every quarter putting together clean ups, what is the government doing to better marine health? 

In regards to wildlife, Bonaire has a marine wildlife park that includes protection for sea turtles and sharks. Within this park there are 86 dive sites, 60 coral species and around 350 species of fish. Bonaire has been named as being surrounded by the healthiest waters within the Caribbean. Being the first country to have a marine park, these designated areas provide information that helps study the ocean, playing a key role in conservation. In 2011, the Netherlands referred Bonaire within UNESCO; this was vital in ensuring that the area’s significance is recognized globally under their protection programe. 

In regards to legislation within Bonaire, individuals can incur coastal fees in designated areas for trying to use their waters, including for recreational use such as snorkelers, scuba divers, kayakers, etc. These rules are enforced by rangers who patrol these areas, which are marked by yellow buoys and GPS locations. The money earned from these fees goes into reef protection and monitoring, marine rangers and enforcement, and education and sustainable tourism programs. This system thus allows for visitors to pay to enter the water to allow preservation of their reef management systems.

Outside of the government’s support, additional protection legislation is imposed by the United Nations Convention On the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) due to the organisation's partnership with the Netherlands; this treaty includes Bonaire’s waters. 

Furthermore, the Convention on Biological Diversity comprises countries promising to conserve biodiversity and create protected areas which includes Bonaire. There are also additional laws that are regional within the Caribbean called Cartagena Convention, which include agreements to protect the Caribbean sea including protocols on pollution and supporting protected areas. 

Bonaire’s Leading Marine Protection Model 

Available sources discuss how the quarterly clean up is a community event that demonstrates the joint efforts to preserve and maintain Bonaire’s marine environment. Whether it is with NGOs or official protection organizations such as UNCLOS, there are clear actions to ensure ocean research programs and use of the waters of Bonaire to contribute research to bettering ocean pollution on a global scale. 

Bonaire’s community demonstrates pride in the community and in their coastal and marine areas, as embodied by tourists, volunteers and locals. Because of fees being in place, this model allows for continuous reinvestment into the research programs and discourages any anti-social use of their waters. When climate change is at the forefront of many Caribbean nations' agendas, with consistent uncertainty of continuous threats to the environment, Bonaire has a government that is aiding their community with their wishes to support the environment for the people but also for the extensive marine life that surrounds Bonaires waters. Which makes for a great model for other Caribbean regions to follow, an example of a partnership between community and government.