Would you like to start a commercial business in Bonaire’s underwater park? You will need a permit to do so.
What does this product or service mean?
You may not start any activities without a permit.
The waters around Bonaire are home to one of the best-preserved coral reefs in the world. The area from the high-water line down to a depth of 60 meters has been designated as a local nature park and a national park. To protect the natural environment in this Underwater Park, not just anyone can simply start a water sports business. You need a nature permit to conduct commercial activities in this valuable environment.
Prohibition on Operating Without a Nature Permit
It is prohibited to operate without a nature permit. The general rules for the protection of nature in the Underwater Park are set forth in the Bonaire Underwater Park Island Decree (2010), Section V: https://lokaleregelgeving.overheid.nl/CVDR40370.
When can you apply for this?
Your business activity or activities must not have a negative impact on nature
How do you apply for this?
To submit an application, you must meet a number of conditions:
- You must be registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK).
- In addition, you need a business establishment permit.
- Finally, you must successfully complete the Reef Ranger Course through STINAPA.
Submitting an Application
You must submit a written application for a nature permit to the Executive Council of the Public Entity of Bonaire. This is the competent authority.
Required Documents
You must include the following documents with your application for a nature permit:
- You must submit a fully completed application form.
- A copy of a valid ID is also required.
- In addition, you must include a copy of your registration with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK), which correctly lists your activities.
- A copy of your business license is also required.
- If you conduct activities in the underwater park, you must be able to present a certificate from STINAPA’s Reef Ranger Course.
You must also provide proof that the $14 processing fee has been paid.
Provide a clear description of the location where the activity will take place.
If you are using a vessel, you must include three recent photos of the vessel.
The vessel must also be registered with the harbor master and have undergone a Safety Security Check by the harbor master.
If the application concerns diving activities, you must submit a valid diving certification from a recognized authority for all instructors.
In addition, you must include documentation regarding the high-water line dimensions, obtained from the Land Registry.
An assessment of the intended use by the ROB department is also required.
Additional Documents
- For renewal or renovation: a copy of the previous permit.
- For a new owner: a copy of the deed of sale or purchase.
Additional Information
If any information is missing, the Executive Board may ask you to submit additional details.
Who can you contact?
Please contact us at natuurvergunningen@bonairegov.com.
How long does it take?
The Executive Council will make a decision on granting the permit or exemption within 90 days of receiving the application, after seeking advice from the Bonaire Nature Conservation Committee. You can read more about this Committee in Article 3 of the Bonaire Island Ordinance on Nature Conservation
What does it cost?
Applying for a nature permit costs $14.00.
This fee can be paid at the front desk of the Civil Affairs Office or via bank transfer to MCB bank account number 30100203 in the name of the Public Entity of Bonaire.
For commercial activities in the underwater park, an annual fee of $1,000 is charged, in accordance with Annex 3 of the Island Decree on Nature Conservation.
Do you disagree with the decision?
The application for a nature permit must be published and made available for public inspection for a period of 14 days. During the inspection period, interested parties may submit objections to the Executive Council. These objections must be taken into consideration by the Executive Council when deciding on the application.
You may file an objection to a decision on the application with the Executive Council or file an appeal with the Court of First Instance within 6 weeks of the date of the decision.
Which laws and rules apply?
Where can you find more information?
What do we do with your personal data?
When you submit an application or report, the Public Entity of Bonaire needs your personal data. The Public Entity of Bonaire handles your data with care.
The BES Personal Data Protection Act specifies how the Public Entity of Bonaire must do this.
The most important rules are:
- The Public Entity of Bonaire only requests data that is necessary for processing your application or report.
- They record and process your data securely, confidentially, and with care
- Your data will only be used for the application or report, or for something directly related to it.
- Your data will not be retained longer than necessary for the application or report.
- Other organizations will only receive your data if required by law.
- You may ask how your data is being used and what happens to it.
