Aruba Birdlife Conservation (ABC) has issued a powerful and urgent call to the community of Aruba. While economic development continues its accelerated pace, our national symbol, the Shoco (Aruban Burrowing Owl), is facing a deadly battle for survival. The pressure from over-tourism, unregulated construction, and a lack of environmental education is pushing our nature against the wall.
According to ABC, threats are coming from all sides. It is not just about habitat loss, but a total lack of regulation in the adventure sector and “off-road” activities, such as UTVs and ATVs. Many tour operators lack the necessary knowledge or respect for the environment, resulting in a direct impact on local wildlife.
A major pain point remains the absence of a national nature curriculum in our schools. Without education, there can be no appreciation. ABC points out a bitter reality: often, more importance is given to the ribbon-cutting ceremony of an infrastructure project than to preventing the extinction of a species that lives only among us.
“This is an evident gap when concrete milestones weigh more than the lives of our national animals,” ABC declared, emphasizing that the lack of funding and dedicated personnel is making conservation work increasingly difficult.
The reality in clinics serves as living proof of this crisis. Currently, six Shocos are under intensive medical care, fighting for their lives. Unfortunately, many others did not make it. Recently, three tragic losses were recorded: two Shocos died after being hit by vehicles, and a third died due to poisoning.
A voice for the voiceless Aruba Birdlife Conservation reaffirms its commitment to being the voice of the Shoco. “The Shoco cannot speak for itself. We will continue to stand strong for their protection wherever necessary.”
The final message to the people of Aruba is a call to immediate action: “Aruba, it’s time to wake up. It’s time to show respect, knowledge, and love for our natural world. Please, start today before it is too late.”
This struggle, according to ABC, is not just for the birds, but for future generations. “We do this for the children of Aruba.” Special thanks go to all individuals and organizations who are working tirelessly to protect our national nature.
