You need an exemption to conduct research in protected natural areas on Bonaire.
What does this product or service mean?
A permit is required for activities in protected natural areas.
Bonaire has a rich biodiversity and therefore attracts many scientists for research. Scientists regularly visit the island and need a permit or exemption from the Executive Council for their research.
If you wish to collect samples from protected animals or plants, or if you wish to install equipment in sensitive areas, you will often need a permit.
Apply for an Exemption
You must apply for the exemption you need for scientific research in sensitive areas or involving protected animals or plants.
BES Maritime Management Act
If your research takes place in the Bonaire Underwater Park, you may also need a permit under the BES Maritime Management Act. More information on this can be found here: https://www.rijksdienstcn.com/infrastructuur-waterstaat/wet-maritiem-beheer-bes.
CITES
If you wish to export endangered animal or plant species from Bonaire, this is subject to the CITES Convention. More information on this can be found here: https://www.rijksdienstcn.com/landbouw-natuur-voedselkwaliteit/natuur-en-biodiversiteit/handel-in-bedreigde-soorten.
When can you apply for this?
Your research must not harm nature.
How do you apply for this?
Below are the steps and requirements 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 requesting a permit.
- Information about the potential effects 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 Board may ask you to submit additional details.
Who can you contact?
For more information, please email 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?
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.
