Protected areas
On the French side, a 30 km2 marine protected area has existed since 1998. The vocation of the Saint-Martin Nature Reserve is to protect the characteristic ecosystems of this part of the West Indies: phanerogam meadows, mangroves, ponds, coastal dry forest and coral reefs. It is also designed to raise public awareness. Discovery trails give visitors a glimpse of the island's natural treasures. The Conservatoire du Littoral et des Rivages Lacustres owns 11 km of shoreline and 14 ponds - a total of 84 km of shoreline - the management of which is delegated to the nature reserve. The Conservatoire's policy is to acquire an entire stretch of coastline in order to protect biodiversity by maintaining or creating ecological continuums, while allowing regulated access to certain areas. One example is the Red Rock site, a group of massifs presenting a whole range of environments: dry forest, savannah and dry thickets, wetlands and beaches. Curious hikers can discover the flora and fauna of these environments on the Froussards botanical trail, which links Anse Marcel to Grandes Cayes-Cul-de-Sac.
Environmental policies
As a French overseas collectivity, French law applies on this part of the island, with the possibility of adapting environmental regulations to the specific characteristics of the territory. In response to the extreme events that have occurred, a plan for the prevention of natural hazards is currently being drawn up. Saint-Martin, like the rest of the Antilles, is subject to seismic and cyclonic risks. In terms of environmental management, selective sorting is in place on the island, and renewable energy development projects are underway. A number of associations are also working to raise awareness of environmental protection issues. However, more needs to be done in terms of ecotourism and resource management. The majority of tourists arrive by plane. What's more, agricultural production and drinking water supplies are insufficient on the island, leading to the importation of products and the use of water desalination plants. All this has an impact in terms of resource consumption and effluent treatment.
Cooperation with the Dutch part of Sint Maarten
An INTERREG - Saint-Martin - Sint Maarten cooperation program is underway for the years 2021-2027. Among the shared actions, some address environmental issues, such as water management and risk prevention. For example, the program includes renovation of the water desalination plant for the drinking water supply, measures to improve wastewater treatment infrastructures and waste management. It aims to harmonize and reinforce synergies between the two parts of the island, a lack of coherence having sometimes been highlighted.
