PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association SHTA has opened up an Environmental Defense Fund EDF at the Scotia Bank, "SHTA ACC 1015922," which it intends to use to generate funds for legal action against the degradation of the natural, cultural and social environment on St. Maarten.
The fund, short named "SHTA-EDF" will enable residents, corporate citizens and organizations to provide financial assistance to St. Maarten's environmental organizations so they can secure legal assistance when challenging ignorance of environmental policy and procedures.
The fund will be chaired by Rueben Thompson who heads the SHTA's Environmental Division. The SHTA has as part of an umbrella structure, several divisions that are under its purview such as wholesale division, construction division, small and large hotel division and the environmental division.
The SHTA believes that Government is jeopardizing the viability of our tourism driven economy by allowing and in many cases commissioning the destruction of St. Maarten's Natural and Cultural Heritage.
As a board member for SHTA and Director of Environmental Division Thompson said, "The durability of St. Maarten's tourism product hence largely relies on the level of nature conservation and environmental care and requires a balance between tourism and the environment."
Tourism and tourism related services are the driving force of St. Marten's economy, accounting for an estimated 80% of the island's economic activity.
According to the SHTA, "Long-term Sustainable economic development in St. Maarten, therefore calls for sustainable tourism, (main economic pillar). Sustainable tourism in turn may be defined as tourism which is developed and mai9ntained in such a manner and scale that it remains viable in the long run and does not degrade the natural, cultural and social environment in which it exists to such an extent that it prohibits the successful development of other activities now or in the future."
In this context the SHTA has mentioned the 2009 documentary in the National Geographic Traveler Magazine which spoke at length about the environmental conditions on St. Maarten. The article spoke of the extent of development on St. Maarten. These sentiments have also been issued by local environmental organizations, other residents, return visitors, international experts and a number of well read publications.
The National Geographic Traveler article stated, "Dutch St. Maarten is in trouble. St. Martin, the French Side of the island, is promising in terms of balancing development with the natural resources. The environmental and ecological quality of Dutch St. Maarten is threatened by over-development."
It also stated, "This Island presents one of the best examples of what islands should avoid in tourism development. Tourism has gobbled up the culture of the island, which now is defined by the hotels, casinos, and other modern developments-not the islands historical, artistic, culinary, or other local heritage. Quality of life is a major consideration for residents as well as visitors."
Those persons interested in donating to the fund in defense of the Environment should make checks out to "SHTA ACC 1015922 and can deposit funds directly to the Scotia Bank account.
