The Saint Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF) is preparing to host a 2nd major Statia Sustainable Conference & Exhibition from September 25-27, during which delegates will discuss critical issues relating to the islandโs sustainability.
The STDF, the agency responsible for the promotion and development of tourism on St. Eustatius, has announced the theme of the conference as โTourism & Water, protecting our common future.โ The conference will challenge tourism planners, policymakers, stakeholders and the general public to develop and implement strategies and practices that can sustain Statiaโs limited resources.
โOn a small island like ours, little changes can and will make a big difference,โ said Mike Haterink, Sustainable Committee Member. โThinking sustainable in every step forward will help to keep our island unique for generations to come.โ
The conference will address a number of vital issues such as how the local community can benefit from engaging in sustainable practices. A number of experts have already confirmed their participation and will share their knowledge in areas such as Coastal Management, Marine Spatial Planning, Ballast Water; How safe For Oceans and Scrap Metals to Living Reef, etc.
โWater is synonymous with life, especially on a small island such as Statia where we are still very much dependent on rain water. Every aspect of our economic development can be linked, directly or indirectly, to the availability of water,โ said Darlene Berkel, Sustainable Committee Member. โThis conference is, therefore, vitally important, since it provides an opportunity for us to focus our attention on this vital resource and explore ways to ensure sustainable sources of water, as well as efficient and effective ways of collecting, producing, and managing water, both for our own survival as well as for sustainable economic development.โ
The conference will be held at the Mike Van Putten Youth Centre and will also feature an exhibition at which local businesses will get to display and sell their sustainable products.
For more information on Statia sustainable conference, contact Maya Leon-Pandt at [email protected] or call the STDF at +599 318 2433.