21 November 2025
The St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA) was honored to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix, patron of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA), to St. Eustatius on 21 November 2025 for a day of events highlighting conservation, reforestation, cultural heritage, and community engagement.
Across three programs, STENAPA showcased the island’s progress in restoring ecosystems, strengthening community collaboration, and building long-term conservation capacity, culminating in the official opening of the new King’s Well National Parks Center, a major milestone for nature management on the island.
Princess Beatrix Visited STENAPA’s ReforeStatia Nursery & Released a native Lesser Antillean Iguana
The day began with a tour of STENAPA’s ReforeStatia Nursery, the central hub of their terrestrial restoration program. Princess Beatrix met with staff, viewed native saplings, and discussed the challenges and successes of reforestation efforts following the damage caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
The visit concluded with the relocation of a native Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) into a restored habitat, a symbolic and ecologically important moment for this critically endangered species.
“Society & Nature” Event Connected Culture, Community & the Environment
Princess Beatrix then attended Society & Nature, an event that celebrated the relationship between Statia’s natural environment and its cultural heritage. The program included a cultural dance performance, a visual display of Statian history and landscapes, and conversations with community members representing local nature-based entrepreneurs, cultural and arts groups and elders.
The event concluded with Princess Beatrix planting a West Indian Mahogany tree in the Government Guest House courtyard to mark the close of the program.
King’s Well National Parks Center Officially Opened by STENAPA
The day ended with the official opening of the King’s Well National Parks Center, STENAPA’s new headquarters for nature management, scientific research, and environmental outreach.
During the ceremony, STENAPA Director Dr. Erik Boman delivered opening remarks, expressing gratitude to Princess Beatrix, the Ministry of LVVN and the NEPP Program, the Public Entity of St. Eustatius, DCNA, and regional conservation partners. The Governor also addressed guests before joining Princess Beatrix for the unveiling of the new King’s Well sign.
Princess Beatrix then toured the Center’s temporary Marine Restoration Laboratory, which will support cutting-edge reef restoration and species recovery work as part of STENAPA’s ridge-to-reef conservation strategy. The visit concluded with a meeting with Junior Rangers at the Ridge-to-Reef mural.
A Historic Milestone for Conservation in the Eastern Caribbean
“The King’s Well National Parks Center is more than a new building. It is a home for learning, research, and community collaboration,” said STENAPA Director Dr. Erik Boman. “This achievement demonstrates what is possible when National support, regional partnership, and local commitment come together. We were deeply honored to share this moment with Her Royal Highness.”
STENAPA extends its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of LVVN and the NEPP Program, the Public Entity of St. Eustatius, DCNA, local community partners, volunteers, interns, and the entire present and former STENAPA staff, whose dedication made these achievements possible.
