Page 11 - aruba-today-20250205

A11
LOCAL Wednesday 5 February 2025
"Turning the Tide" Project focuses on mangrove and coral reef

restoration to preserve nature and the environment

Recently, the Aruba Conservation
Foundation (ACF), in collabora-
tion with local partners Scubble-
Bubbles Foundation, the University
of Aruba, and international part-
ner Wageningen University & Re-
search, launched a documentary
about the Turning the Tide proj-
ect. This project started more than
a year and a half ago, and René
Henkens of Wageningen Univer-
sity & Research shared details with
Aruba Today about how the proj-
ect began, its goals, and the results
achieved so far.

Project Background and
Objectives
Henkens explained that prepara-
tions for the project began in 2022. concrete blocks that can be used Despite coral bleaching events last land to prevent erosion, as erosion
Recognizing that little research to build various reef structures. The year and the impact of Hurricane is highly destructive to mangroves,
and restoration efforts were be- project has installed 13 of these Beryl, corals at a depth of just two seagrass beds, and coral reefs. En-
ing conducted on nature conser- reefs, consisting of 400 blocks in to- meters managed to survive. suring higher water quality, which
vation, the project was launched tal. is essential for ecosystems to with-
when the Resenbit initiative pro- MARRS Reefs – These are spider-like “This gives us hope, but we can- stand climate change. Henkens
vided substantial funding from the structures built locally in Aruba. Vol- not yet declare the project a suc- also highlighted the major role of
European Union (EU). The entire unteers coat them with a non-toxic cess. However, we are pleasantly wastewater treatment plants in this
project focuses on the restoration adhesive and cover them with surprised by how well the corals issue. He specifically mentioned
of mangroves and coral reefs. Aruban white sand before placing are responding,” Henkens empha- that Bubali Plas is an environmen-
them in the ocean. sized. tal disaster and that an urgent solu-
For the mangroves, one of the big- These artificial reefs were transport- tion is needed.
gest challenges is sedimentation. ed to three specific locations along He estimated that it would take
Henkens explained that during Aruba’s southern coast. The goal three to five years to see significant He also pointed out that new hotel
heavy rainfall, large amounts of is for coral to grow on these struc- results, assuming the coral survives. developments have a massive im-
sediment flow down from hills into tures and form new coral reefs. pact on the environment. Since the
the mangrove system, causing it to Community Involvement and Envi- existing sewage treatment plants
turn into land, which leads to the Current Results and Future Outlook ronmental Concerns are already at full capacity, add-
loss of mangroves. Henkens explained that the proj- Giancarlo Nunes, Research Con- ing more hotels would put even
ect involves continuous monitor- servation Manager at ACF, stressed greater strain on the system, lead-
To restore the mangroves, sedi- ing of mangroves and coral reefs that the project’s success also de- ing to devastating consequences.
ment traps were installed at the alongside conservation and resto- pends on the Aruban community
end of Rooi Taki, Rooi Bringamosa, ration efforts. Research and moni- and how people behave around Furthermore, he stressed the im-
and Rooi Lamunchi. These traps, toring are carried out by students the coral reefs. portance of stopping mangrove
with a capacity of 500 cubic me- from the University of Aruba and destruction and being mindful of
ters, prevent sediment from flowing Wageningen University. “It’s crucial to keep our waters nature.
into the mangrove areas. clean, avoid dropping anchors on
After one year of monitoring, it is still coral reefs, and take measures to “Think about sustainable solutions,
In addition to the sediment traps, too early to determine the exact ensure their long-term health,” he conduct proper environmental im-
mangrove channels were created results. However, during a recent emphasized. pact assessments before any proj-
in Spaans Lagoen to restore tidal visit to one of the reefs, research- ect, and make sure Aruba’s nature
movement. Currently, tidal flow is ers observed that the corals had To help the community contribute is taken into account,” Henkens
limited due to sediment blockage. already doubled in size. to conservation, Henkens suggest- urged.
The goal is to restore fresh water ed: Taking better care of private
movement to help mangrove trees He criticized previous impact as-
grow again once the channels are sessments for focusing only on the
fully established. hotel site itself, without considering
what hotel guests would do during
Once this is achieved, the nursery their stay.
function of the mangroves will be
restored, allowing fish populations “Visitors will impact the environ-
to increase, benefiting local fisher- ment. They will go swimming, pos-
men. sibly use jet skis, yet there are no
regulations in place for these ac-
Coral Reef Restoration Efforts tivities,” he pointed out.
Regarding coral reefs, Henkens Environmental conservation and
emphasized that many reefs are nature preservation are ongo-
dying or already dead. The project ing battles. Henkens emphasized
introduced two types of artificial that this should not be the case,
coral reefs: as reckless destruction of Aruba’s
environment will eventually leave
Moses Reefs – These are Lego-like nothing behind.q