Caves offer immense recreational, ecological, and cultural value, drawing visitors while also serving as important natural and historical sites. However, issues such as unregulated tourism, lack of certified guides, and exceeding carrying capacities threaten their preservation. Balancing economic benefits with conservation efforts often leads to conflicts among stakeholders, including tour operators, local communities, and management institutions.
CARIBSS is committed to addressing these challenges by promoting sustainable cave tourism, ensuring responsible management, and enhancing visitor experiences. Through education, we strive to raise awareness of the importance of caves, fostering a sense of responsibility while allowing people to explore and appreciate these unique environments.
On going projects & participation:
The Bonaire Caves and Karst Nature Reserve project
The Bonaire Caves and Karst Nature Reserve project, funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality, is dedicated to protecting Bonaire’s unique caves, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. CARIBSS plays a key role in this initiative through research, sustainable management, and community engagement efforts.
CARIBSS has been actively involved dedicating countless volunteer hours to making this project a success.
Key contributions include:
✔ Guide Certification – Delivered the first cave guide certification course to 12 participants.
✔ Bat Protection – Help identifying and physically protecting bat maternity caves to prevent disturbances.
✔ Fencing & Preservation – Assisted in fencing the park to safeguard the environment.
✔ Trail Maintenance – Supported the creation and upkeep of park trails.
Through these efforts, CARIBSS continues to promote conservation, responsible tourism, and the protection of Bonaire’s unique cave ecosystems.
Future projects and proposals:
CARIBSS welcomes the community to propose new projects and ideas for education, tourism, and recreation in Bonaire’s caves. Whether it’s a conservation initiative, an educational program, or a sustainable tourism project, we’d love to hear from you!
Contact us>>
to share your ideas, explore funding opportunities, or collaborate on grants to bring your vision to life. Together, we can protect and enhance Bonaire’s cave ecosystems for future generations.
got some skills and want to collaborate? Looking to donate?