Bonaire National Marine Park

The Bonaire National Marine Park is dedicated to the protection, conservation, and reclamation of Bonaire’s waters, coral reefs and the marine life that inhabit these natural areas. Bonaire’s National Marine Park manages one of the Caribbean’s largest and most pristine coral reef and marine park systems and depends on financial contributions and donations to support its park management, marine research, and environmental educational work.

Achieving conservation through the promotion of sustainable use activities, and to build an enduring conservation legacy for the island, the Marine Park works to educate Bonaire’s visitors, citizens, and young people about the importance of protecting and conserving the island’s coral reefs. The Marine Park sponsors two programs that provide opportunities for Bonaire’s children and young adults to learn more about the island’s diverse marine life, experience and enjoy her coral reefs, and develop an appreciation for the marine environment. The ‘Turtuganan di Boneiru’ program teaches young people how to snorkel. In addition to a snorkeling certification, children participate in guided snorkeling excursions and hands-on educational activities that teach them about the island’s coral reefs. The Junior Ranger program provides extra-curricular activities for young adults centered on activities and programs that promote environmental education and appreciation.

In addition to the ongoing need for financial support to maintain the park boats and ranger equipment, extensive system of moorings, marine park maps and guides, and to conduct marine research; the Bonaire National Marine Park is in need of financial support for ‘Turtuganan di Boneiru’ and the Junior Ranger program.

‘Turtuganan di Boneiru’, started in 1993, is an educational program for children 8 to 12 years old. The program introduces children to the sea, offers a snorkeling certification, and through guided snorkeling excursions teaches them about the reefs and their inhabitants. After ten years, hundreds of children have received their snorkeling certification.. The program’s success results from cooperation and support from elementary school teachers, who promote the program and reinforce lessons learned in the classroom.

The Junior Ranger Program is for boys and girls ages12 to 18 years old. The program serves several purposes: to help young people understand the value of preserving the reef; to introduce them to the skills and basic knowledge needed to become a Ranger of the Bonaire National Marine Park; and to make them aware of professional opportunities in marine protection.

Both programs are important to the future of nature conservation in Bonaire. Funding is needed to purchase and maintain snorkeling equipment, provide safe transportation for children to and from club activities and to purchase supplies and educational materials for after school activities, special events, and programs.

The success of conservation in Bonaire’s National Marine Park relies on community awareness, involvement, and sustainable use of the wildlife and nature areas. Our mission is 'conservation through sustainable use'. Our ‘Turtuganan di Boneiru’ and Junior Ranger Programs educate Bonaire’s young people and thus work to ensure sustainable use, now and in the future.

(Text provided by the Bonaire National Marine Park and reproduced here with edits.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please click one of the links below to return to Support Bonaire's information:

Copyright © 2001-2010 by Support Bonaire, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.