The stunning marine ecosystem of Cay Bay, also known as Indigo Bay, faces a perilous threat from the Vie L’Ven development project. The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten is deeply troubled by the potential harm this project could cause to the area’s protected coral reefs. The lack of a comprehensive environmental evaluation prior to granting permits for construction raises significant concerns about the impact on the fragile marine environment.
Here are few key points of concern regarding the Vie L’Ven development project:
- The building permit for Vie L’Ven was issued in 2023 without adequately addressing the environmental risks associated with the development.
- Efforts by the Ministry of VROMI to amend the permit conditions retroactively have not alleviated fears about the devastating effects on the local coral reef.
- The lack of a thorough environmental impact assessment has disregarded the importance of protecting the site’s fragile marine environment, home to critically endangered coral species like the elkhorn coral.
The Nature Foundation is urging the Ministry of VROMI to set a transparent precedent for environmental protection and has called on residents to voice their objections before the March 12 deadline. The current trajectory of the development poses a significant threat not only to the coral reefs but also to the livelihoods of local fishermen who rely on the bay’s marine resources.
Despite assurances from Minister Gumbs to address the environmental concerns retroactively, the Nature Foundation remains skeptical about the effectiveness of proposed changes. The organization has withdrawn from discussions with the developers after they presented plans for marine infrastructure that contradicted efforts to protect the reef.
In response to public outcry, Minister Gumbs has pledged to reevaluate certain aspects of the project and has requested an independent environmental impact assessment to be financed by Alltree. However, the Vie L’Ven marketing campaign, promoting features like a private yacht dock and on-beach water sports, raises questions about the developer’s commitment to mitigating environmental impacts.
The lack of transparency and public involvement in the permitting process is also a major concern, as it undermines the government’s pledge to safeguard the environment. The Nature Foundation is actively pursuing all documentation related to the project and encourages affected residents to file objections before the deadline.
To learn more about how to voice your objections to the Vie L’Ven project, visit the Nature Foundation’s website at https://naturefoundationsxm.org/permit-objections.
Together, we can ensure that the natural heritage of Sint Maarten is protected for future generations. Let’s stand united in defense of our precious coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
