STINASU NATURE TRAIL

Month/Year	Principal Activity
November 2005	Preparatory phase; finalize project work plans, designs (architectural) for Nature trails and construction plans visitors’ center Stakeholders meeting Project launch, finalization of MOU assigning STINASU’s responsibilities within the scope of the project (signing) Appoint Project Coordinator & list Transportation needs and procurement Workshop/training sessions of project staff and consultants on project vision, goals, objectives and implementation strategies
December 2005	Assessment of water supply & sanitary facilities structures needed Prepare feasibility report and operations plan for the trail and the visitors’ center Design combined marketing strategy – Educational programs, Heritage & Eco-tourism for the trail, the visitors’ center, and Brownsberg Nature Park Ensure community involvement in continued project activities – Sensitization meetings Start of construction of nature trail, sub trails and visitors’ center
January to June 2006	Continue nature trails and construction of visitors’ center Commission STINAT & visitors’ center Provide administrative training for STINAT & visitors’ center Implement leading aspects of Heritage/eco-tourism marketing strategy Monitor and evaluate interventions – determine next steps for sustainability
July 2006	· Production of promotional material, educational, awareness and eco-tourism programs
Augustus 2006	· Final preparations before start of construction of the nature trail and building the visitors centre

September 2006

Start construction of the trail

December 2006

Start building the visitorscentre by STINASU's employee

June 2007

Official opening of STINAT by Ms. L. Venetiaan accompanied by Managing Director of Suralco Mr. Warren Pedersen and Ms. Velma Monteiro-Ribble from the ALCOA-Foundation by cutting a ribbon at the entrance of the park. From now on the STINAT National Park is open for the public. Development of the trail will continue. Entrance to trail will be free until decided otherwise.

STINAT

STINASU NATURE TRAIL

Right across the SURALCO plant at Paranam lays a beautiful piece of wet-land , known as the former cotton plantation "Klein Curaçao". For many years the wetland area across Suralco’s aluminum refinery has been and still is a great attraction for numerous eco-toerist and other travelers, in need of a rest place before continuing their journey. Taking into consideration the steady increase in the number of travelers and stopovers there is great need to chart out a nature walking trail complete with a small restaurant and visitors center which could also accommodate a permanent exhibition on environmental issues related to the local bauxite and aluminum industry. The main objective, however, is the exploration of nature in this wetland area offering relevant information on wildlife as well as facilities and opportunities to view flora and fauna up close. In order to support the effectiveness of the trail, educational and wildlife observation posts, trails looping through the wetlands using board-walks, bird-watching hides and wildlife gardens with shaded areas, are foreseen. STINASU will also develop a management and recreational plan, in order to conserve the area’s nature. With the trails finished now STINASU is building the visitors centre which was finished in the March 2007. On request of the Suralco, the official opening of STINAT Nature Park was done on the 4th of June 2007. Suriname's First Lady Ms. Venetiaan who initiated this all during a conversation with Mr Warren Pedersen, gave us the honor to open the STINAT NP by cutting the ribbon at the entrance of the trail. The press was well represented