A nature permit is required to create or expand artificial beaches.
What does this product or service mean?
Permitted only for lodging facilities with more than 100 rooms.
Sandy beaches are beloved worldwide as places for relaxation and recreation. They attract both tourists and residents of Bonaire. Bonaire’s natural sandy beaches also serve an important ecological function, as they provide nesting sites for sea turtles.
The construction of an artificial beach on Bonaire is permitted only at hotels with more than 100 rooms. It is prohibited to construct an artificial beach at private residences, and no permit can be obtained for this purpose.
Prohibition on Construction Without a Permit
It is prohibited to construct an artificial beach without a permit. The rules for nature conservation, including this prohibition, are set forth in the Bonaire Underwater Park Island Decree (2010), Section VIII: https://lokaleregelgeving.overheid.nl/CVDR40370.
When can you apply for this?
It is prohibited to construct an artificial beach without a permit.
The conditions are listed in Section VIII, see Article 35 of the Bonaire Underwater Park Island Decree.
How do you apply for this?
Below are the steps and conditions for submitting an application:
- Submit 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: Include the following documents with your application:
- A description of the project or activities for which you are applying for a permit.
- Information about the potential impacts of your project on nature, such as reports or environmental studies.
- Maps or drawings that clearly show the area and scope of the work.
3. Additional information: If any information is missing, the Executive Council may ask you to submit additional details.
Who can you contact?
If you have any questions, 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?
The fee for applying for a nature permit is $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.
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?
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.
