‎The Cartagena Convention has been ratified by 26 countries in the Caribbean region, including the‎‎ Kingdom of the Netherlands. The protocol on specially protected areas, wild animals and‎‎ plants (SPAW) is part of this. The SPAW protocol has a list of protected animals. The‎‎ SPAW protocol also provides the basis for nature protection on the BES islands. The Saba iguana, also called: Saban black iguana‎‎ (Iguana melanoderma), only occurs on Saba within the Caribbean Netherlands. The species is not (yet) listed in the SPAW protocol. ‎Therefore, the Netherlands intends to include the Saban black iguana on the SPAW list. In‎‎ preparation for this, a scientifically backed report is necessary for the SPAW nomination process.‎