Landscape Biographies of Saba and Sint Eustatius Launched

Islands character threatened

The landscape biographies are necessary because the spatial challenges for these Dutch special municipalities are significant. Tourism, housing construction, demographic developments, and climate change pose a threat to the character of both islands. This research enables the islanders to determine what they want to preserve for future generations of Saban and Statian people.

Symposium

The handover of the biographies on Saba and Sint Eustatius to the commissioners there took place via a live connection with both islands. At the Cultural Heritage Agency, the biographies were handed over to Barbera Wolfensberger (Director-General Kingdom Relations at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations). Arjan de Zeeuw, director of knowledge and advice at the RCE, launched the digital maps.

A live connection was made between Sint Eustatius and Amersfoort. This allowed both the residents of Caribbean Netherlands and European Netherlands to learn about the shared histories of Saba and Sint Eustatius.

Saba and Sint Eustatius

On Saba, The Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean, people have continuously adapted to changing circumstances. The nature is pristine, and the island is famous for its cloud forest on the volcano and coral reef in the Saba Bank. Sint Eustatius, The Historical Gem of the Caribbean, has a very different history. It was once the center of Caribbean trade. Products from all directions were traded there, but it was also an important port for the trade in enslaved people. Both islands now have their own unique architecture, landscapes, festivals, and traditions.

Biographies and maps

Curious about the biographies and maps? Consult them via:

• Landscape Biographies: Saba and Sint Eustatius

• Maps: Saba and Sint Eustatius