On July 28, as we commemorate World Nature Conservation Day, we are reminded that nature is not separate from us; it is part of who we are as a people. Our beaches, our cunucu (countryside), our wild areas, our ecological zones, our coral reefs, and our biodiversity have shaped Aruba’s identity for generations. They provide us with clean air and water, strengthen our economy, enrich our quality of life, and remind us of our responsibility toward one another and toward those who will come after us.
Protecting nature is not simply an environmental responsibility. It is an expression of our commitment to the common good. The decisions we make today will determine what kind of Aruba we leave for our children and grandchildren. Every tree we plant, every coast we restore, every species we protect, and every citizen who chooses to care for our island contributes to a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Aruba.
As a community, we all share the benefits of healthy ecosystems. Nature protects us against the effects of climate change, contributes to our well-being, supports our tourism economy, and preserves the unique beauty that characterizes Aruba. Conservation cannot fall solely on the government. It requires a society where citizens, businesses, schools, NGOs, scientists, and public institutions work together as partners in caring for our shared home.
We are encouraged by the important steps Aruba is taking toward that future. This year, Aruba proudly received its designation as a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Reserve, an international recognition that opens new opportunities for scientific research, environmental monitoring, knowledge exchange, and sustainable management of our natural resources. At the same time, our Minister of Tourism has embraced the transition to a regenerative tourism model—a model that not only aims to reduce our impact on nature, but also actively restores ecosystems and ensures that tourism leaves Aruba in a better state than when it arrived.
These achievements belong to every Aruban. They are the result of years of dedication by people who believe in this island and who quietly work every day to protect it. On this World Nature Conservation Day, we express our sincere gratitude to environmental organizations, volunteers, researchers, educators, community groups, and the countless citizens who, through their commitment, have helped protect Aruba’s natural heritage. Their work shows that lasting change is built through perseverance, collaboration, and love for our island.
We are proud to recognize the following organizations for their invaluable contribution to nature conservation in Aruba:
AMISTAD (Aruba Management Institute for Sustainable Development)
Animal Rights Aruba
Aruba Animal Shelter
Aruba Birdlife Conservation
Aruba Circular Economy Foundation
Aruba Conservation Foundation (former Foundation Parke National Aruba)
Aruba Lion Fish Initiative Foundation (ALFI)
Aruba Marine Mammal Foundation
Aruba Reef Care
Aruba Sustainable Development Foundation
Caribbean Lionfish Alliance
Centro Ecologico Aruba
Circular Economy Aruba
Climate Action Aruba
Compost Club Aruba
DarkSkyInternational Aruba
Ecoprofile
Equilibrium
Fundacion Aruba Conciente
Fundacion Aruba Limpi
Fundacion Arubano pa Naturalesa y Parke
Fundacion Ban Lanta y Planta
Fundacion Centro di Pesca Hadicurari
Fundacion Desaroyo Ecologico Arubano
Fundacion Preserva Malmok
Fundacion Proteccion y Conservacion di Commandeursbaai
Fundacion Proteha Abeha Aruba
Fundacion Salba Nos Burico
Fundacion Savaneta Aruba
Fundacion Sero Cristal
Impact Blue Foundation
Luna Foundation Aruba
MAGEC
Metabolic Foundation
ProBiMar
Rainbow Warriors Aruba
Scubblebubbles Foundation
Sociedad Iginiero di Aruba
Space and Nature Aruba Foundation
StimAruba
Stichting Parkietenbos Aruba
Stichting Serenity & Milieu
TurtugAruba
Zero Waste Aruba
World Nature Conservation Day is also an invitation for each of us to reflect on the role we can play. We do not all contribute in the same way, but we can all contribute.
Three ways to show your love for Aruba:
Do volunteer work in your community’s environmental activities. Participate in cleanup actions, tree-planting initiatives, habitat restoration projects, or other conservation activities organized by local nature-focused NGOs.
Support conservation through donations. Many organizations depend on community support to continue their important work. Every contribution, big or small, helps protect Aruba’s natural heritage.
Stay informed, educate yourself, and share knowledge. Learn about Aruba’s unique ecosystems, share that knowledge with your family and friends, and encourage others to become active guardians of our environment.
Aruba’s future is not determined solely by the government. It is shaped by all of us, through the decisions we make, the values we transmit, and our willingness to place the common good above our individual interests.
Together, with hope, responsibility, and a shared sense of care, we can leave future generations a greener, more resilient, and even more beautiful Aruba than the one we inherited.
Happy World Nature Conservation Day.
