STINAPA - VOLUNTEERS

STINAPA has a small but dedicated group of local volunteers.

They assist us with research, text editing, text writing and any other requests we have.

The volunteers have undertaken a number of different long and short term studies for the Marine Park. For several years they have participated in Reef Check, a study which evaluates the coral cover, fish populations and invertebrates present at both of Bonaire's Marine Reserves (which are otherwise closed to diving).

In 2005 a number of the volunteers participated in training by Dr. Paul Hoetjes from the Department of Nature and Environmental Management of the Central Government. He was assisted by Susan Porter, a volunteer who travelled to Barbados for the Bonaire National Marine Park to learn AGRRA (Atlantic & Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment) procedures and to coordinate follow-up training. The course was in coral identification and the AGRRA protocol, which is the best overall method of tracking reef health. A majority of the group which attended is now actively practicing these techniques. Their goal is to be AGRRA-ready by spring to supply the Bonaire National Marine Park with ongoing information about our reefs.

We frequently receive requests from people visiting the island for a week or longer, who are hoping to participate in volunteer work. The requests are almost always for the Marine Park. Too often we have to turn these requests down since participating in the volunteer programs in the Marine Park require training and practice. If you want to volunteer and have training and practice in Reef Check, AGRRA, REEF fish surveys or any other monitoring protocol please e-mail the Marine Park at marinepark@stinapa.org.

Our terrestrial park, Washington Slagbaai National Park, does have a great need for volunteers. Types of work a volunteer would engage in include: clipping branches, painting buildings, road maintenance, maintenance of the fence, etc. If you want to help in the Washington Slagbaai National Park – a great activity for the day before you fly -- please e-mail us at: washingtonpark@stinapa.org.