30 years Christoffelpark

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Biná Newsletter of the CARMABI foundation

Savonet Museum Page 10

Mangrove eco kayak tours!

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6th, Year number 1 & 2, January-June 2008

Dear nature lovers,

It’s August already and much has happened in the first six months of 2008. This is the first newsletter of this year. Due to unexpected circumstances we were unable to publish the first newsletter in March of this year. Therefore we decided to publish the first and second newsletter together, which you now have in front of you. Many things have happened over the last months 6 months. The Marine Park Visitor Center was officially opened in May, the first activities have started such as Mangrove Eco Kayak Tours. Christoffelpark celebrated its 30 year anniversary with an open house which turned out to be a huge success. We researched the 30-year anniversary of the park thoroughly and want to share this information with you. The first part of this story can be found in this newsletter.

Carmabi has a new staff member, Dr. Mark Vermeij, who will continue developing the academic program and research programs of our institute. We will introduce him to you in this edition.

And of course you can read about the restoration progress of the Savonet plantation complex, upcoming activities in the park, educational news and much more.

We hope you will enjoy this edition . Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or remarks. You can send these by mail to info@carmabi.org.

The editors.

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Table of contentsEditor’s note... 2

Christoffelpark corner... 3- The history of the Christoffelpark... 3- 30-year anniversary- Open house... 7- New land cruiser sponsored by Percy Henriquez fund and Garage Cordia... 8- Stichting Doen visits Carmabi... 8- New promo film launched... 8- New activity maps & hiking brochure... 9 - Things to do in the coming months... 9

Savonet Museum... 10- The sounds of restoration are in the air!... 10

Marine Park Visitor Center... 11- Mangrove Eco Kayak Tours... 11- Presentations... 11 - Official opening Visitor Center... 12 - Reef clean ups... 12

Carmabi news... 13- Introducing Dr. Mark Vermeij... 13 - Director Debrot receives prestigious Cola Debrot award... 13 - The genesis of “Clear Water”... 14 - Job advertisement... 14

Education... 15- New book for schools by FMS & Carmabi... 15 - News in a flash... 15

Advertisements... 16

GLOSSARY

Photography:Mrs. M. da Costa Gomez

Mr. L. PorsMiss. M. LigthartMr. Dr. M. Vermeij

Mr. S. Lema

Design:Mrs. M. da Costa Gomez

Editors:Ing. M. da Costa Gomez

Drs. L. PorsDr. A. Debrot

Editors note

Cover Photo: Odocoilus virginianus curassavicus (Curaçao White-tailed Deer)

during Deer Spotting Sunset Tour in Christoffelpark. Picture by: M. da Costa Gomez

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Christoffel cornerThe history of the Christoffelpark!

It’s party time. We are celebrating the 30-year anniversary of the Christoffelpark this year. 30 years of nature protection and careful management to provide a unique addition to Curacao’s tourism economy, local education and research. We are very proud of this milestone. We have achieved and learned many things in these past 30 years. Christoffelpark’s history deserves to be told, so it can be preserved for future generations. This is a story about how we managed to maintain a natural reserve for the last 30 years.We’d like to take you on a journey through its history, which we have researched thoroughly and invite you to read this and coming newsletters for the ins and outs.

An official opening with several funny moments

The management of the Christoffelpark was officially handed over to STINAPA (Stichting Nationale Parken/ National Parks Foundation) by commissioner of Agriculture Mr. Augustin Diaz on the 30th of June 1978. This was celebrated with a great number of festivities. Mr. René Römer, then chairman of STINAPA, received this honor on behalf of the organization after which the Governor of Curaçao (Gezaghebber) Ornelio Martina officially opened the park by revealing a newly painted sign at the main entrance. The festivities themselves were very adventurous and stories of all the things that went wrong during the celebration are numerous. But these festivities were not only the beginning of the official management of the park, they were also the culmination of years of extensive preparations.

The time before June 30th 1978

The story of Christoffelpark starts far before that festive day in 1978. Records show that the island’s government focused on this natural area during the early 1960’s. In the first half of 1969

the island’s government purchased the former plantations of Savonet, Zorgvliet and Zevenbergen, which totaled 1270 hectares and included the Christoffel Mountain. Most of this area was to be made a nature reserve. But there were not only happy sounds after this purchase. People critiziced the decision of the government to start building inter insular and international communication antennae on the top of Seroe Gracia, a hilltop next to the Christoffel mountain. The government however assured that the damage to nature would be small. In 1972 Carmabi foundation was approached by the local government to write a general plan of how the Christoffelpark should be made nature reserve. Mr. J.J.M. Voskens, a landscape architectural student at the university in Wageningen, the Netherlands, was on the island from November 1971 up till May 1972 to work on this plan and he finished it when back in Holland. His excellent piece of work was presented to the government by the management commission of Christoffelpark. This commission was installed by the government a few years earlier to help with the preparations for this future nature

“A look at mount Christoffel from Savonet plantation around 1900.

Picture from the collection Mrs. Helma Maduro”

“Mount Christoffel from North coast plat-form in Christoffelpark 2008.

Picture by: M. da Costa Gomez”

“Ruins of the zorgvlied plantation house in Christoffelpark 2008.

Picture by: Martine Ligthart”

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Christoffelpark cornerpark. In this year, 1972, these first ideas for the Christoffelpark only included the former Savonet plantation. The commission also wanted to include the Christoffel Mountain and other terrains to the west of this mountain but had not achieved that yet at that time.

The Voskens-plan was executed a few years later and appears in the records of 1976. In this year a total of 175 workers started building the roads and trails in the park, freeing ruins from excessive vegetation on several locations and other necessary work according to prepare the park to become an official nature reserve. The work was executed by the department of Agriculture (LVV) under guidance of a group formed by the heads of the departments of agriculture, Public Works and the secretary of STINAPA. At the same time an orchid project started in which orchid plants that had fallen from the trees in the park were given to the department of Labour (Arbeidszorg) at Groot Santa Martha where they would be cultured in order to reintroduce them to their natural surroundings in the park. The idea was to focus especially on the areas in which poaching had severely diminished their population. A small part of the orchids would be sold to visitors of the park.

Many additions to the Voskens plan were made by the departments of Public Service of Curaçao and Welvaartszorg of the Netherlands Antilles, of which the construction of a fence around the entire plantation would be one of the largest. The Netherlands agreed to finance the first phase of the plan in 1976 through the so called Multiple Year Plan or

“meerjarenplan”. In August 1976, 175 people started working on this first phase. In 1977 the last sections of the new road network were completed and steep parts were covered with asphalt. The fence was not completed. Small sections of the new park were opened to the public at the beginning of 1978. The decision to open only small sections of the park to the general public was taken to control the number of visitors more efficiently. The different parts and attractions of the park would each bring their own sets of logistical problems, like traffic blocks, parking problems, and vadalism, which would be difficult to control. The commission in charge of the coordination of the Christoffelpark ceased to exist when the project was finished and the management of the area was officially transferred to Stinapa. Mr. Dick Hoogerwerf was appointed as the first manager of the park together with several rangers who would help him patrolling the park.

Management To prepare Mr. Hoogerwerf for the job as manager of the park, Stinapa sent him to Dominica to follow a three-week workshop organized by the Caribbean Conservation AssociationThere were other things to consider as well. The plantation house of Savonet was still going to be inhabited by the family Koppers- van der Linde Schotborgh, who sold the plantation to the government with the condition that they would be allowed to live in the house. The grounds around the plantation house were now part of the Christoffelpark, but the house was

“Entrance and ticket office of the Christof-felpark in 1978. Scan from the publication: Jaarverslagen Carmabi en Stinapa 1978.

Picture by: Dick Hoogerwerf”

“Entrance and ticket office of the Christoffel-park in 2008.

Picture by: M. da Costa Gomez”

“Scientists are shocked by the destruction of the ‘orchid woods’ at Seroe Gracia” Scan

from: Stinapa no. 26 1972 . Picture by: Wouter Bokma”

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Christoffelpark cornerexcluded. The roads that were developed in the park led to all kinds of attractions, of which the caves and the mountain were the most attractive. Visitor rules were formulated. One of these was the prohibition to take flora or fauna out of the park. To control this, all cars were inspected before and after entering the park. Plans were made to produce a Christoffelpark guide, and a simple car route map was made including the rules for entering the park.

Celebrations….and then!Finally the festive 30th of June 1978 arrived when the park was officially opened at the plantation house of Savonet. It must have been a stressful day for the organizers since there are many stories about the things that went wrong during the festivities. A television crew arrived at the scene without a camera. A basket of orchids, which was to be presented to Stinapa by the Islands government, disappeared. Nevertheless the festivities marked a triumph in the efforts to protect the special area in which Christoffelpark was now established. Of course the first difficulties soon appeared. Because the fence was still not complete, there were several problems with bulls from neighboring plantations, which were attracted by the lush vegetation in the park. These bulls regularly destroyed the pond were White tailed deer and birds came to drink. A continuing grievance for the management and rangers who had to clean up the mess and dredge the pond time and time again. Another problem the management

had to deal with with was the legacy of the workers who worked on the infrastructure in the park, consisting of thousands of bottles. These workers had also poached hundreds of iguanas during the construction period. Destruction of infrastructure was also a big problem. Fences and signs were destroyed, fires started, time and time again. Despite al this, visitors were very enthusiastic about the attractions in the park. 3562 adults and 250 children visited during the first year. Not bad, taking into account that no marketing was done. Hiking trails to the top of the Christoffel Mountain and to Seroe Bientu became very popular. The management needed an office near the main entrance of the park at Savonet, and the decision was made to transform the old carbon shed for this purpose. The shed next to the office was also renovated, and the old rain tank at the side of the mangasina or storehouse. Preliminary ideas were developed to renovate the mangasina and use its two parts as an audio-visual presentation room and a exposition room annex gift-shop. Renovation of the building would be a major project, much larger than the renovation of the other structures in the park. In 1979 the number of visitors had increased to 12.514 adults and 3.147 children between 6 and 15 years old. These numbers do not include approximately 2000 schoolchildren who visited the park for free. The reactions were overwhelming, many visitors provided very positive feedback in the guest book at the entrance of the park.

“Mangasina at Savonet before its restoration.”

Scan from: Jaarverslagen Carmabi en Stinapa 1980 .

Picture by: Dick Hoogerwerf

“Mangasina at Savonet and watertank in 2003.”

Picture by: M. da Costa Gomez

“Mangasina at Savonet and watertank in 1978.”

Scan from: Jaarverslagen Carmabi en Sti-napa 1978.

Picture by: Dick Hoogerwerf

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Christoffelpark cornerSeveral other special happenings happened that year. Video recordings were made in the park for the production of the movie “mijn zuster de negerin”, a popular book written by Mr. Cola Debrot .

To compensate for the negative effects of poaching on the iguana population in the park, hundreds of iguanas were reintroduced in the park by Dr. Dolf Debrot to revive the population. The great number of wild domestic cats and dogs, caused major fatalities especially under the cottontail and bird populations. The office in the old carbon shed was repainted and covered with drawings of the local flora and fauna. The idea for the renovation of the mangasina and the installation of audiovisual and interactive attractions for visitors was further worked on. Although the local government was very enthusiastic about the idea, the Netherlands did not agree with the project because the terrain on which the mangasina was settled was not owned by the Stinapa organization. The plans, however, were nevertheless growing. The concept of an open-air museum, that would include the entire Savonet complex, was formulated. Savonet was one of the most complete remaining plantation structures. The basic idea was to renovate everything and give some of the structures their old function back. The bakery would have to start baking fresh bread, which could be sold; the milk house would be producing milk and other products etc. Fruit trees, including species of trees, which were used in the past, would have

to be planted in the former fruit tree garden, locally known as a “hofje”. Pater Brenneker and mr. Ellis Juliana made an inventory of the old data available. They discovered an old name for one of the “rooi’s” (dry river beds) in the area which was called the Rooi Bakie. The name referred to the so called “Bakie blous”, which were basins used to extract indigo-blue color from the Indigo plant.

Several scientists started found their way to the park. In 1979 Mr. Peter Paalvast did an extensive quantitative study on the effects of goats on the vegetation in the park.Miss Joke Winkelman studied the dispersion of the “Palu di Lechi” or Rubber Vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora), the effects of the goats on the vegetation, and the dispersion and population density of the Sabal Palm.

The park increased in popularity over the following years. 11.330 persons visited in 1980, 11.663 in 1981, 12.397 in 1982, 20.235 in 1989 and 6000 school children, 33.019 in 1991, 41.688 in 1996 including 18.780 school children.

Daily work continued over the years on the roads, fences and structures around the main entrance. In 1980 the financial aspect of the renovation of the mangasina was finally completed. The Dutch government agreed to pay 73% of the costs and for the remaining 27% several sponsors were found. The renovation was concluded in 1982 after which communication was started with the archaeological section of the department of Culture to design a permanent expo in this building. The plans for the entire open-

“Sabal palm at Seroe Gracia.” Picture by: M. da Costa Gomez

“The observation tower is still used in sev-eral tours including the Deer Spotting Sunset

Tour.” Picture by: M. da Costa Gomez

“Many people use the hiking trails leading to beautiful vista’s and other attractions.”

Picture by: M. da Costa Gomez

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Christoffelpark corner Christoffelpark cornerair museum project were so far developed in the early 1980’s that a new foundation, solely to support this initiative was considered desirable to ensure the sustainability of the museum in the future. This idea would never crystallize.

Heavy rains have been responsible for small disasters in the park during its entire history. In 1981 200 mm of rain in 30 hours destroyed parts of the roads in the park and the fence. 1999 was another year in which this

happened causing the growing visitor numbers to decrease by almost 80% because of the rain itself and the worn down roads it caused.

Various infrastructural improvements were added to the park, like a deer observation tower next to the experimental deer sanctuary, an observation platform to overlook the Northern coast, signs with information, a cactus garden, and much more.

To be continued...

More of the history of Christoffelpark will be included in the next newsletter.

“All car routes are paved since 2006.” Picture by: M. da Costa Gomez

30-year anniversary celebrated with successful OPEN HOUSE on July 6!To celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the park with the entire community we organized an OPEN HOUSE on July 6. The attendance was superb, more than 500 people visited the park on this day to participate in the various activities we organized. Especially the 1-hour pickup safari was a huge success, about 81 people joined us on this tour. We had to disappoint almost the same amount of people because all the tours were full. Of course there was time for cake and champagne after brief speeches by the manager of the park Mrs. Michelle da Costa Gomez, the chairman of Carmabi Mr. Norbert Chaclin and the commissioner of Economic affairs and tourism Mr., Eugene Rhuggenaath. To reflect the tradition of celebrations 30 years ago, we unveiled the new Christoffelpark sign at the entrance of the park informing visitors about the several activities

offered in the park. The positive reactions were overwhelming. We are therefore planning to make the open house a yearly event.

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Christoffelpark cornerNew land cruiser sponsored by Percy Henriquez Fund and Garage Cordia- Toyota

Pickup safari’s infrastructure has improved considerably this May. Finally, after the hard work of our personnel, we were able to fund the purchase of a new Toyota Land cruiser Pickup for the activities department in Christoffelpark. Thanks to the friendly and cooperative personnel of Garage Cordia- Toyota who arranged the sponsoring of part of the amount and the considerable funding by the Percy Henriquez Fund, we bought the pickup in May. On the 22nd of May we proudly received the keys of the car. Of course we baptized the car immediately by organizing a pickup safari for the

representatives of Stichting Doen on Saturday the 24th of May. (Read more in the article “Stichting Doen visits Carmabi”). The actual baptizing with champagne and the park personnel was done on Monday the 26th of June. With this new car we can now provide pickup safaris and Deer Spotting Sunset Tours for larger groups in greater comfort. Our first clients were indeed very enthusiastic. We like to thank the Percy Henriquez Fund and Garage Cordia-Toyota again for their generous help in acquiring this vehicle..

Stichting DOEN visits CarmabiIn the week of May 19th, representatives of Stichting Doen from Holland visited the Island of Curaçao to see the several projects Stichting DOEN has sponsored on the island over the past years. In the 1990’s, Stichting DOEN together with a special action organized by cabaretiere Freek de Jonge assisted Carmabi/Stinapa financially to expand the Christoffelpark with the purchase

of the Jeremi plantation house and ajoining grounds, that represent a great ecological value. During their visit at Carmabi they enjoyed a kayak trip together with Mr. Dolfi Debrot and Mr. Leon Pors. A few days later they joined us on a Pickup Safari in the Christoffelpark in which they were able to see the Jeremi area.

New promotion film and new park introduction movie launched!

We were very proud to launch two new promotional products for Christoffelpark during the Open house on July 6th. Martine Ligthart, intern at Carmabi from February to June 2008 worked very hard to produce a new Christoffelpark promo film which will be used for marketing purposes in hotels and on local television. Martine wrote the

script, filmed almost all the necessary footage, edited the film and made a beautiful 1.5 minute promo film which gives a splendid impression of the attractions the park has to offer.

At the same time in February Danielle Henriquez worked on a new introductory slide show for the front desk of the park. In the

“Martine while filming Boka Grandi.”

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Christoffelpark cornerChristoffelpark corner

New activity maps and hiking brochure!

past, a slide presentation about the flora, fauna and other attractions in the park gave visitors an idea of the many things they could expect and do in the park. This presentation however stopped showing in the park a couple of years ago. Many visitors asked for more explanations in recent years and we decided to produce a new slide show/film with information about the attractions, activities, flora, fauna and geological formations in the park. Danielle was on the

island, and wanted to do volunteer work for exactly this kind of project. The slide show/ film is finished in English and gives visitors the information as described above, but also states some basic regulations for visiting the park. We showed the presentation to a pilot-group, after which some improvements were made by Danielle. At the end of July the presentation will officially be launched and showed daily at the front desk in the park.

Everyone looking for clear information about the several activities which can be done in Christoffelpark can now do so by looking at the new colorful activity maps at the main entrance of the park (soon on our website www.carmabi.org too). Our intern Martine, besides making a promo film, together with interns Amrita de Vries and Esther Stuij designed the activity map consisting of activities for both individuals and companies

looking for team building activities or just simple personnel outings. Ask for it at the front desk!

Esther and Martine also worked on a new hiking brochure for one of our longer hiking trails called the Long Deer Trail or Red trail. This full color brochure is available at the front desk on request and costs Nafl.5.

Things to do in Christoffelpark in the coming months!

Date Activity description Reservations?July 27th, August 3rd,

August 10th 2008SPECIAL: 1-hour pickup safari for Nafl.10 at

9.00 & 11.00 AM and 13.00 PMYes

Every Saturday Guided hike to Zorgvlied & Rooi Beroe starting at 08.00 AM $15 pp, special prices for

locals and students

Yes

Only on request Sundays

Orchid trail hike with guideStarting at 07.00 AM for small groups.

Entrance fee and Nafl.75 for guide

Yes

August/ September/ October, November

Special activities will be announced later

December 12th 2008 International day of mountains: Full Moon Christoffel Mountain Climb

Yes

Reservations can be made by calling Mr. Cyrill Kooistra at 540-3604 or 864-0363 or by mailing info@carmabi.org.

“Danielle and Amrita in Christoffelpark.”

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Savonet Museum

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Savonet Museum The sounds of restoration are in the air!

Opening Hours CHRISTOFFELPARK

Monday- Saturday7.30 AM -16.00 PM (no admittance after 14.30 PM)

Sunday6.00 AM - 15.00 PM (no admittance after 13.30 PM)

Interested in camping, team building, company celebrations and/or other nature activities for groups:

Call Cyrill Kooistra or Woti Samboe at 864-0363

We are happy to report, that the restoration is in full swing. Henk Langenfeld, a skilled restoration specialist, has claimed a parking lot for his beloved Citroën Mahari, a one of a kind collectors item. As the representative of Willemstad N.V. he oversees all building en restoration activities. He is easy to spot on the premises, because his spectacular moustache can not be overlooked.Already the roof of the “kas di Vitó” has been restored to its former glory. This roof now looks wonderfully authentic, because still intact former roof tiles of the landhouse could be re-used.

A project like this always raises difficult authenticity issues. On one hand one would, for example, like to maintain most original wall plastering. On the other hand, the structure of these walls is such, that continuous maintenance used to be, by necessity, a way of life in old times. Actually, what is being done now is condensing all maintenance tasks that should have been performed in the last decades, but weren’t, into one year. Rest assured, this restoration project is one with utmost care to maintain the building’s authenticity. Gerda Gehlen of the “monumentenbureau” and Michael Newton of the “monumentenfonds” have declared it their holy mission to be vigilant like sharks. This results sometimes in funny arguments between them and Henk (mostly funny for bystanders, they themselves are without a doubt dead serious).

Rose Mary Allen and Helma Maduro finished their analysis of a study regarding the oral history

of life on and around Savonet. On the basis of several interviews with (former) inhabitants of the Savonet region, all of the blessed age of 80+, a comprehensive document was produced to assist in the implementation of the museum. The amount of valid scientific information is increasing, so now transforming this information into an interesting and enlightening museum implementation comes into play. Additionally, the new in-house video studio is installed. This studio will play a vital role in producing all the short documentaries that will help visualizing the ways of life in the past, as well as the natural environment on the Island.

One room at Carmabi at Piscadera is transformed into, what looks like an ossuary - a bone storage. A freezer inside this room holds a multitude of deceased animals. All road kill, by the way. The reason for this macabre situation is the fact, that a decision was made to display reconstructed skeletons of representative animal species in the museum. Why? Because skeletons show beautifully that all vertebrates must be related to each other. If one compares a skeleton of a deer with one of a bird, or an iguana, or even a human, the basic design clearly looks the same. This observation is directly in line with what will be the underlying theme of the Savonet museum: inter-dependency; every living element on the Island, including the human species, depends on the others for it’s survival, in the past, right now and in the future.

“Signing the restoration agreement in April 2008.”

“The roof on the “Kas di Vitó” from the in-side on July 15 2008. The new window panes

can be seen on the side.” Picture by: Michelle da Costa Gomez

“The roof on the “Kas di Vitó” on July 15 2008.”

Picture by: Michelle da Costa Gomez

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Marine Park Visitor CenterMangrove Eco Kayak Tours

After careful planning and testing sessions we proudly launched a new activity of the Marine Park Visitor Center on Wednesday July 9: the Mangrove Eco Kayak Tour. Ryan de Jongh, of course the most well known kayakker on the island since his November 2007 Challenge during which he kayaked around the island in less than 34 hours, together with Leon Pors of Carmabi organize this activity from the Carmabi headquarters at Piscadera. We offered the trip during the entire summer vacation at an introductory discount price of Nafl.25 a person. The kayak tours will be offered every Wednesday at 16.30 PM at Carmabi. Participants get a short presentation before the actual kayaking, in which attention is given to mangrove ecosystems and what participants should look

for to have an exiting wildlife observation trip. Instructions are given about how to handle a kayak after which it is paddle time. The entire tour, including presentation, takes about 3 hours and participants get reusable water bottles during the trip and fruit. Reservations are necessary and can be made by mailing a message to info@carmabi.org of by calling Ryan at (5999-561-0813) or Leon at (5999-569-8811).After the summer vacation, starting August 13, Prices for the kayak tours will be as follows:- Adults: US$35 pp- Kids (12-17 years) US$25 pp- Reduced prices apply for citizens of Curaçao

Presentations

We are now prepared for marine related presentations for a wide scale of groups. We gave a presentation for the OTC (Opleiding Toerisme Curaçao) during which we talked about sustainable tourism. This presentation was a preparation for a project which was executed last May that included a Beach Clean up, and the definition of golden rules which will be presented to the Curaçao Tourism Board.

Also presentations were given to other organisations like Vespucci College and Diveshop Ocean Encounters. In the last presentation we really focused on reef ecology.

As of now the presentation themes

we provide include the following themes:- the role of the Marine park and its Visitor Center. - General reef ecology (introduction to the tropical coral reefs of Curacao and their inhabitants)

This list is growing every day and at the moment we are working on the following themes:- The secrets of corals and sponges (coral and sponge biology)- More reef invertebrates (mollusks, echinoderms, crustaceans, segmented worms)- Life-style of fish (fish behavior and survival

“Brain coral and brittlestar.” Pictures by: Mark Vermeij

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Marine Park Visitor Center strategies)- Mangroves (the green coast guards)

Official opening Visitor CenterOn Saturday the 17th of May we officially opened the Marine Park Visitor Center. The products have arrived and the shop is open. The small but cozy shop now offers products such as postcards, several books on nature above and below the water surface, T-shirts, caps, necklaces for children, posters and much more. The official opening was attended by the commissioners Eugene Ruggenaath of Economical Affairs and Mrs. Alcala-Walle of Education together with the deputy Governor of Curaçao Mrs. Magali Jacoba and the chairman of Carmabi mr. Norbert Chaclin. After the opening it was time for Ryan de Jongh to baptize the new kayaks that were purchased

to start offering ecological kayak tours. With this action we closed the Carmabi Clear Water Challenge 2007 and launched the Challenge of 2008. The pictures give an idea of all the activities that were organized on this day, such as boat trips, kayak tours, snorkel trips, and of course the Center itself.

We are still looking for volunteers who would like to work in the Visitor Center a couple of hours a week (selling products and giving information). Please contact us for more information. Of course volunteers will receive a free training about the marine life of the island.

Reef clean upsCARMABI and the Curacao Marine Park joined forces with the U.S. FOL, 429th Expeditionary Operations Squadron, and DiveVersity dive shop to end 2007 with a successful Christmas reef clean up at Piscadera Bay. 85 volunteers spent a combined 510 hours underwater, to remove almost one ton of debris including a large number of tires from the reef in front of the Hilton Hotel. 2008 was welcomed with a second reef clean up, this time joined by students from the University of Illinois, who collected a significant 400lbs of debris. The students were so inspired by this clean up, that they returned to Illinois and set up their university’s first Reef Clean Up club. The most recent reef

clean up, March 8th 2008, was again a great success with over 35 volunteers helping out.

For information on upcoming events and volunteering for future reef clean ups, please contact us at: info@carmabi.org.

Don’t worry if you are not a diver, there is enough work we need help with on shore as well..

CARMABI and the U.S FOL would like to thank Floris Suites Hotel, Amstel, DiveVersity shop and Selikor for sponsoring these events and Telecuraçao for t.v. coverage.

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CARMABI news

Director Mr. Adolphe (Dolfi) Debrot receives prestigious Cola Debrot Prize!Carmabi director Dr. Adolphe (Dolfi) Debrot received the prestigious Cola Debrot Prize last May 4th. This year the Cola Debrot prize was destined for scientific endeavors. The entire scientific oeuvre of Dr. Debrot resulted in an unanimous decision by the committee who decided to hand the prize to Dr. Debrot.

He received the prize consisting of a special pin, certificate and a financial amount during festivities at the house of the Governor of Curaçao.

Last June we welcomed Dr. Mark Vermeij as a new member of the Carmabi staff. Mark took over the scientific department of Carmabi and will be working on the development of academic programs and courses as well as on improving the scientific laboratory of the institute, and the interaction with foreign scientists who come to the island for a wide variety of projects. Take a look at his Biosketch to get an impression of him.

Introducing Dr. Mark Vermeij

BIOSKETCH: Dr. Mark Vermeij

Vermeij was born in the Netherlands in 1973 and studied marine biology. For his studies he did two internships on Curaçao in 1995-1997. After these he got his doctorate at the University of Amsterdam on the thesis “Evolutionary Ecology of the Coral Genus Madracis”, in which is described how coral species came to exist. This research (1998-2002) was also conducted on Curaçao. In 2002 Vermeij started working at the Rosenstiel School for Marine and Atmospheric Science at the University of Miami (USA). During this period he principally worked on the factors that determine the survival of coral larvae on the reef and for them to subsequently grow in larger colonies. Similar studies were also done in

Indonesia, Haiti, Bahamas,

Japan and again the Netherlands Antilles. After Miami, Vermeij traveled to Maui in 2005. Here he managed a marine biology laboratory for the University of Hawai’i on the island of Maui. He studied the effects of algae on corals and the influence of microbes on the health of Hawaiian coral reefs. A close cooperation with the local government and fishermen was started to work on the protection of Hawaiian reefs. And now Vermeij is back on Curaçao to support the scientific program of Carmabi. Plans are to make Curaçao a center for high quality research focussing on several marine ecosystems that are found on Curaçao.

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CARMABI news!

Some time ago, we were officially appointed as caretakers of a 14-meter long “peñero”, a wooden vessel originally used for drug trafficking. This vessel was captured and confiscated by the coast guard, after which the public prosecutors office honored our request to give this piece of art a new home. The coast guard code name for this vessel was “Fred”, but this boy name did not really strike our fancy. Therefore we now work to rename the “Fred” the “Clear Water”. It should be obvious where the inspiration for this name came from!The hull is still in great shape, as the vessel has been constructed like a tank: thick hardwood frames are bolted together with huge stainless and dynel bolts, in other words: virtually indestructible. It is unfortunate that this display of workmanship was used for illegal activities.

The genesis of the “Clear Water”

Originally it carried 4 outboard engines, 2 of 200 Hp and 2 of 115! The top speed must have been impressive. We will only retain the 2 200 Hp’s, We already patched some minor dents, painted the hull, and are now in the process of building a new console and a sunroof. If all goes well, the “Clear Water” will start its new life in a month or so, and will then be used for sunset coastal trips, dive excursions and other fun activities we can think of. It is so big, it can easily carry 25 people, so using the “Clear Water” we hope to introduce groups of all ages and interest to the wonders of the marine and coastal environment. Stay tuned for more info on the official baptizing event, and the future trip schedule.

Carmabi is a foundation on the island of Curacao and is active in nature management, scientific research and envi-ronmental education. The foundation is currently in a process of growing financial independence. The director and his management team is assisted by a new, involved and resourceful board.

Carmabi is searching for candidates for the post of FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

Candidates need to have the following requisites: - Higher administrative education (SPD1 and 2) - Several years of experience in the management of a financial department in a commercial environment or a managing administrative post in an accountants office. - Strong analytical, communicative en management capacities - Critical, independent and pro-active hands-on personality - Speaks Dutch and English fluently, Papiamentu and Spanish are desired. - Affinity with the objectives of the Foundation

We offer beneficials in accordance with the importance of the post.

For more information about the job description you can contact the treasurer Mr. Peter Bongers by phone in the eve-nings between 19.00 and 21.00 hrs. on 747 3978. Please send your application letter to Carmabi, to the attention of Dr. A.O. Debrot, director. Address: Piscaderabaai z/n, P.O.Box 2090, Curacao (Dutch Antilles) or e-mail: adebrot@cura.net.Your application will be handled with the highest confidentiality!

JOB advertisement!

“Bestia ku ta duna rel.”

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EducationJoint efforts FMS and Carmabi produce a second book for schools

In 2007 the joint efforts of Fundashon Material pa Skol (FMS) and the educational department of Carmabi produced the book “Bestia ku ta duna rel”, written by Michelle da Costa Gomez en Leon Pors and photographed by Leon Pors and Peter van der Wolf. This book provided insight information on several animals on the island, which normally give people “the creeps”. We focussed on animals like lizards, snakes, wasps and other creatures, that are all perceived as nasty on the island. Professionals at FMS corrected the Papiamentu language and directed the design and layout of the books.

In May 2008 the second book in the series was finished titled ”Kas den Mondi: Kon e bestianan ta biba?” also written by Michelle da Costa Gomez and Leon Pors and photographed by Peter van der Wolf and Leon Pors. This book gives insight information on the “houses” animals live in, in the wild. We focused on animals like the white tailed deer, the yellow oriole, bats, wasps and hermit crabs. All animal descriptions are

accompanied by pictures, which focus on the “housing” features. Both books are specially made for the 5th and 6th grade of the Foundation Based Education and provide teachers colorful and informative materials to work with. We are currently working on the background information collections and activity guides for teachers to expand the stories in the books and provide them with tools to design complete lesson plans on the themes.

We would like to thank the positive, talented and very helpful team of FMS from the bottom of our hearts. Thanks to your efforts it was possible to make this project happen. We especially send our thanks to Mrs. Irene Dick, director of FMS, Mrs. Eva James-Warrington and Mrs. Lisette Sambo. Together we can make wonderful things happen. And there is more to come!

“The new book front and back.’”

News in a flash!

- Our educational team was present at the 2008 edition of the Kids City Festival in Rustenburgh. Of course the ever present white tailed deer skeleton was the “star” of our stand, closely followed by the whipsnake, which the children could touch under supervision of one of our guides. A quiz about local nature provided children with an opportunity to win a pickup safari in the Christoffelpark.

- Preparations are being made by our educational department to start the school year 2008-2009. We are working on several educational materials and lesson plans. Our team will start visiting schools in the third week of August and register all groups for our educational programs in Christoffelpark, Daaibooi and Kabouterbos, and of course the school visit programs.

- We are looking for semi-volunteers to assist us whit the variety of educational programs we offer to schools and the preparation of new programs and educational materials. It is important that interested per- sons speak good Papiamentu and it would be nice if Dutch is also well spoken. Mail to info@carmabi.org.

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We are looking for pictures! We are looking for underwater pictures to include in our presentations,

newsletters and brochures. Do you have a beautiful picture and you want to see it published, please mail us at info@carmabi.com