This installation establishes Statia as the first serious location in the Dutch Caribbean to join the Caribbean Motus Collaboration, dedicated to monitoring and better understanding migration patterns in our region. As part of the Caribbean Motus Collaboration, managed by BirdsCaribbean, the tower utilises advanced computer systems to detect radio signals from researcher-tagged birds and butterflies. This technology allows researchers to map migratory routes with greater precision than ever before.

While the system will also monitor the migration of Monarch butterflies, the primary emphasis remains on avian populations. Understanding these movement patterns is essential for analysing the impacts of climate change on local ecosystems and refining conservation strategies.

This project represents a key component of the Nature and Environment Policy Plan (NEPP). The data gathered will directly support efforts to:

• Implement effective invasive species control measures.
• Safeguard native species unique to the island.
• Facilitate the restoration of forest ecosystems.
• Participate in region-wide research on migratory behaviour and the effects of climate change.

With this tower now operational on the Caribbean side of the island, and a second unit scheduled for the Atlantic side, Statia is positioning itself as a leader in migratory bird monitoring within the Caribbean region.

This achievement underscores the commitment to evidence-based conservation and the long-term sustainability of the natural environment.