In an open letter addressed to the Government and Parliament of Aruba, the organization Aruba Birdlife Conservation (ABC), led by drs. Gregory Peterson, has launched a proposal to introduce a national framework for Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG). The goal is to ensure that the island’s economic progress does not come at the expense of our nature and social well-being.
Under the motto “Do it for the children,” ABC highlights that Aruba—as a small island heavily dependent on tourism—requires an instrument that mandates the commercial sector to report on its environmental and social impact. According to the organization, this is not merely about “saving birds,” but a necessity to maintain Aruba’s international reputation and attract serious investors who, globally, now demand transparency in the area of ESG.
What is an ESG Framework? The ESG concept stands on three fundamental pillars:
- Environmental: Protection of biodiversity, reduction of emissions, and responsible use of natural resources.
- Social: Fair working conditions, worker safety, and contribution to the local community.
- Governance: Integrity in corporate management, transparency, and the fight against corruption.
Phased Implementation ABC proposes that this introduction should not occur simultaneously for all businesses, but rather in phases. In the first phase, large corporations, state-owned companies (NVs), and high-impact sectors such as energy, tourism, and construction would be required to begin reporting their ESG figures. Subsequently, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could join using a more streamlined model (ESG-Lite) to avoid excessive bureaucratic burden.
A National Registry and Taskforce To ensure functionality, ABC proposes the creation of a digital National ESG Registry, where all data is centralized so the Government can monitor the island’s progress. They also call for the launch of a National ESG Taskforce, comprising representatives from the Central Bank of Aruba, the Chamber of Commerce, relevant ministers, and civil society organizations to guide the process.
“Future Generations” “Economic growth cannot be measured in money alone, but in value for the community and the general interest,” ABC emphasizes in their letter. The organization concludes with an urgent call to political leaders to act with vision and responsibility to guarantee that Aruba remains a livable island for generations to come
