As agreed last Friday during the meeting with all stakeholders, the dialogue continued this week between the committee assigned to represent Tour Operators Uni and the Government of Aruba. During this first meeting, the preliminary version of what has been named the ‘Nature Driving Protocol’ was presented.
During the meeting with Minister of Infrastructure Rene Herdé, representatives from ABC Tours Aruba, Fofoti Tours, De Palm Tours, AGW, and Aruba Ariba went over the essential points of the protocol requiring attention regarding the control and regulation of motor vehicles, as well as management and behavior, particularly when concerning protected natural areas.
According to Tour Operators Uni, the dialogue held with Prime Minister Mike Eman on Sunday evening contributed to the ongoing conversations among all parties involved. The exchange of viewpoints and concerns during these meetings helped create a foundation for continuing to seek practical and balanced solutions.
In this context, Tour Operators Uni hopes to reach an agreement as well as a balanced protocol in which the interests of all parties can be appropriately reflected. Tour Operators Uni reiterates that Aruba’s nature comes and will remain first. However, this does not prevent solutions from being created in which the interests of all parties are respected and protected in a balanced manner.
Therefore, a proactive decision was made to draft and present the ‘Nature Driving Protocol’. Both parties agree that more time is needed to conduct independent research to reach more concrete, regulated, long-term solutions. The dialogue continues with the goal of achieving a mutual understanding that considers the interests of all stakeholders involved.
It should be noted, however, that a dialogue was scheduled for Tuesday morning with representatives of Aruba Birdlife Conservation, who did not attend. This stance regarding the current conflict is precisely what worries Tour Operators Uni, as well as employees who face the risk of losing their jobs or a portion of their income.
In the meantime, Tour Operators Uni remains consistent in dialogue and in its stakeholder approach to achieve solutions that are beneficial, but even more importantly, that take into account each and every party involved and affected.
