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LOCAL Friday 18 OctOber 2024

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

ST. CRUZ — The national This beautiful close-up im- Northern part of the island
park Arikok comprises al- age of the pink bird is cour- and all beaches in Aruba
most 18 % of the island. Its tesy of Michiel Overstee- are forbidden for any mo-
rugged terrain, desert-like gen of the Aruba Birdlife torized vehicle. Treasure
hills filled with tall cacti, Conservation. This impor- our island to enjoy it like
breathtaking coastline and tant foundation showcases you do: as a tropical and
protected local flora and and builds awareness of natural paradise. We truly
fauna welcome you to be Aruba’s birds and other na- appreciate it!q
explored. There is numer- tive flora and fauna. You
ous wildlife to discover like may have seen a ‘pink
for example the sea turtle cloud’ lately at the Bubali Aruba Tourism Authority honored loyal visitors
who lays his eggs on the or Spanish Lagoon Wet- at Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort!
park’s beaches. There are lands areas? It’s most likely
more places on the island to be Roseate Spoonbills
that are a preserved area (Ajaia ajaja) or ‘Chucharon The Aruba Tourism Authority recently had 10, 20, or 35 years or more consecutively.
like the Bubali Plas which is Cora’ as they are known in the great pleasure of recognizing Good-
a bird sanctuary. Papiamento. This unusual will Ambassadors of Aruba. The honorees The three levels of honor are as follows:
looking bird forages in shal- were respectively honored with a certifi- Distinguished Visitor (10>years consecu-
The national park Arikok low muddy water while cate for their years of visits, loyalty, and tively visiting Aruba)
takes you on a memorable sweeping its flattened bill love for the island of Aruba. Goodwill Ambassador (20>years consec-
journey of the islands past from side to side to catch utively visiting Aruba)
offering unique geological, small fish, crustaeceans The honorary certification is presented on Emerald Ambassador (35>years consec-
cultural and historical sites. and other aquatic inverte- behalf of the Minister of Tourism as a to- utively visiting Aruba)
These can all be enjoyed brates. The Roseate Spoon- ken of appreciation and to say “Masha
and explored either on bill remains an uncommon Danki” to guests who have visited Aruba The honorees were:
your own or during guided sight as they are vulnerable Goodwill Ambassadors
tours. A wide variety of ed- to degradation of feeding Mr. Randolph & Mrs. Wanda Laing from
ucational and informative and nesting habitats (Wet- Glen Allen Virginia, United States.
programs and fun activities lands). (Source: arikok na-
is available. tional park) Mr. Jorgino Willems representing the
Did you know that four of Aruba Tourism Authority, and staff mem-
the in total seven species The aforementioned is just bers of Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba
of sea turtle lay their eggs a part of what Aruba’s na- Resort bestowed the certificate upon
on Aruba's beaches? In ture has to offer. We can- the honorees, presented them with gifts,
the national park, a Least not stress enough to go, see and thanked them for choosing Aruba
Tern (Sternula antillarum) for yourself. The island has as their favorite vacation destination, as
keeps a strict eye on a very the most beautiful beach- their home away from home.
special event taking place es but it is also worthwhile
below on the beach: a to go beyond this and get The top reasons for returning to Aruba
majestic Leatherback (Der- an idea of our entire island. provided by the honorees were:
mochelys coriacea) heads Lately there is a discussion • Aruba’s people.
back to sea after laying going on about the effect • Aruba’s weather.
her eggs, while another certain activities have on • Aruba is safe.
nest laid 2 months ago by our nature, for example • “Anniversary celebration every
the same female hatches. the ATV vehicles cause a year”
A very rare occurrence lot of dust, noise and leave • “Renaissance staff are all won-
of daytime nesting and tire tracks. Animals live in derful”
hatching. Sea turtles pre- these areas where the ve-
fer nesting in the cool and hicles run, often with high On behalf of the Aruba Tourism Author-
dark hours of the night. And speed and with detrimen- ity, we would like to express our sincere
hatchlings usually wait for tal consequences to flora gratitude and appreciation to the honor-
the cue of cooling surface and fauna. Motorized vehi- ees for their continued visits to the “One
sand before emerging. cles are forbidden to drive Happy Island”.q
Bubali Magic on the sand dunes in the