Klein Bonaire: The island full of new opportunities

Klein Bonaire, the small island off the coast of Bonaire, is turning into a true paradise of greenery. Thanks to the Klein Bonaire Reforestation Project, local tree species, such as the rare Sabal Palm, are being replanted. This restoration project offers hope for nature and shows how cooperation between volunteers and smart techniques can work wonders.

Trails full of young trees

Along the hiking trails on Klein Bonaire you will discover a wonderful diversity of trees. Volunteers have planted young Sabal Palms and other local species here. Think kenepas, buttonwood trees and wayaka trees. These trees have been carefully grown by people like Elsmarie Beukenboom, who has been involved in the project for many years.

The strategic placement along walking trails allows visitors to follow the process up close. Everywhere you look, you can see nature slowly returning. This offers not only shade, but also hope for future generations.

The hard work behind the greenery on Klein Bonaire

Volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining the young trees. Watering is an intensive task. Using a natural spring on Klein Bonaire, water bottles are filled and taken to the trees. This process sometimes takes up to three hours per session. Fortunately, clever solutions are always being devised, such as sticks in the water containers to save animals that fall into them.

In addition to watering, volunteers take care of pruning the trees. By removing excess leaves, the trees grow straight and strong. This is essential, especially in an environment where wind plays a major role.

Innovative techniques

To help the trees survive, special water tanks are used. These containers are designed to collect condensation, but on Klein Bonaire this does not always work due to the constant temperatures. Therefore, volunteers refill the bins manually.

There is also an irrigation system that distributes water from another source across the island. This system is checked regularly for leaks and blockages. Thanks to these methods, 80% of the planted trees have a chance of survival. This is a huge improvement compared to the past.

The return of the Sabal Palm to Klein Bonaire

The Sabal Palm is one of Bonaire’s most endangered tree species. This slow-growing tree is planted directly into the calcareous soil, often when it has only one leaf left. With three years of care, including regular watering, this strong tree grows into an icon of Klein Bonaire.

The decision to reintroduce the Sabal Palm fits perfectly with the reforestation project’s goal of restoring the natural balance and protecting rare species.

An inspiring past and a hopeful future

Klein Bonaire was once an island full of trees. However, logging and goats took a heavy toll, leaving the island bare. Since 2006, volunteers, led by pioneers such as Elsmarie Beukenboom, have been working to rebuild. Since then, 10,000 trees have been planted, of which about 30 percent remain. Thanks to new techniques, this number is now much higher.

Actively contributing to nature

Would you like to contribute to the future of Klein Bonaire yourself? Volunteers are always welcome. Whether you help with planting, watering or other tasks, your contribution makes a difference. Together, we will ensure that Klein Bonaire remains a green oasis where nature and people come together.

Klein Bonaire proves that small steps lead to big changes. This island is an example for how we can make our planet greener and healthier. Read more about Bonaire’s wildlife and nature here.