Page 14 - HOH

Tuesday 20 February 2024 LOCAL
A10

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

ST. CRUZ — The national park Arikok bird is courtesy of Michiel Oversteegen
comprises almost 18 % of the island. of the Aruba Birdlife Conservation. This
Its rugged terrain, desert-like hills filled important foundation showcases and
with tall cacti, breathtaking coastline builds awareness of Aruba’s birds and
and protected local flora and fauna other native flora and fauna. You may
welcome you to be explored. There is have seen a ‘pink cloud’ lately at the
numerous wildlife to discover like for ex- Bubali or Spanish Lagoon Wetlands
ample the sea turtle who lays his eggs areas? It’s most likely to be Roseate
on the park’s beaches. There are more Spoonbills (Ajaia ajaja) or ‘Chucharon
places on the island that are a pre- Cora’ as they are known in Papiamen-
served area like the Bubali Plas which is to. This unusual looking bird forages in
a bird sanctuary. shallow muddy water while sweep-
ing its flattened bill from side to side to
The national park Arikok takes you on a catch small fish, crustaeceans and oth-
memorable journey of the islands past er aquatic invertebrates. The Roseate
offering unique geological, cultural and Spoonbill remains an uncommon sight
historical sites. These can all be enjoyed as they are vulnerable to degradation
and explored either on your own or dur- of feeding and nesting habitats (Wet-
ing guided tours. A wide variety of edu- lands). (Source: arikok national park)
cational and informative programs and
fun activities is available. The aforementioned is just a part of what
Aruba’s nature has to offer. We cannot
Did you know that four of the in total sev- stress enough to go, see for yourself. The
en species of sea turtle lay their eggs on island has the most beautiful beaches
Aruba's beaches? In the national park, but it is also worthwhile to go beyond
a Least Tern (Sternula antillarum) keeps this and get an idea of our entire island.
a strict eye on a very special event tak- Lately there is a discussion going on
ing place below on the beach: a ma- about the effect certain activities have
jestic Leatherback (Dermochelys coria- on our nature, for example the ATV ve-
cea) heads back to sea after laying her hicles cause a lot of dust, noise and
eggs, while another nest laid 2 months leave tire tracks. Animals live in these
ago by the same female hatches. A areas where the vehicles run, often with
very rare occurrence of daytime nesting high speed and with detrimental conse-
and hatching. Sea turtles prefer nesting quences to flora and fauna. Motorized
in the cool and dark hours of the night. vehicles are forbidden to drive on the
And hatchlings usually wait for the cue sand dunes in the Northern part of the
of cooling surface sand before emerg- island and all beaches in Aruba are for-
ing. bidden for any motorized vehicle. Trea-
sure our island to enjoy it like you do:
Bubali Magic as a tropical and natural paradise. We
This beautiful close-up image of the pink truly appreciate it!q

Aruba Tourism Authority honors loyal visitors at Manchebo Beach

Resort & Spa!

The Aruba Tourism Authority re- The honorees were: staff!” sincere gratitude and appreciation
cently had the great pleasure of Goodwill Ambassadors of Aruba to the honorees for their continued
recognizing Goodwill Ambassa- Mr. Thomas & Mrs. Dorene Komin- On behalf of the Aruba Tourism Au- visits to the “One Happy Island”. q
dors of Aruba. This lovely couple sky from Massachusetts, United thority, we would like to express our
was respectively honored with a States
certificate acknowledging their
years of visits, loyalty, and love to Ms. Marouska Heyliger represent-
the island of Aruba. ing the Aruba Tourism Authority,
and staff members of the Manche-
The honor certification is presented bo Beach Resort & Spa bestowed
on behalf of the Minister of Tourism the certificate to the honorees,
as a token of appreciation and to presented them with memorable
say “Masha Danki” to guests who gifts, and also thanked them for
have visited Aruba 10, 20, or 35 choosing Aruba as their best-loved
years or more consecutively. vacation destination, as their ho-
meaway fromhome.
The three honoring levels are as fol-
lows: Top reasons for returning to Aruba
Distinguished Visitor (10>years con- provided by the honorees were:
secutively visiting Aruba) Aruba’s warm & welcoming peo-
Goodwill Ambassador (20>years ple
consecutively visiting Aruba) Aruba’s safety
Emerald Ambassador (35>years Aruba’s restaurants
consecutively visiting Aruba) Aruba’s nice sandy beaches
“The Manchebo Beach Resort &